Jacy Large, 33, the new principal at Miller Middle School, had his first day on the job Monday. Large comes to Marshalltown from the Ankeny Community School District where he served as director of support services. He also has previous experience as a high school and middle school principal at the South Hamilton School District in Jewell. He is taking over at Miller for Sharon McKimpson, who resigned this spring after two years on the job.
Large sat down with the Times-Republican to answer some questions during his first day on the job.
What in your background and your current skills make you a believe you are a good fit as Miller principal?
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T-R PHOTO BY ANDREW POTTER
Jacy Large started his first day as the principal of Miller Middle School Monday. Large is a native of the area and arrives from the Ankeny School District.
He said he has dealt with students from a diverse background in his previous work.
"I was used to the culture and the climate itself," Large said.
What drove you to this job?
"I've always known Miller," Large said. "I grew up in State Center and know the area."
He said working with diverse students is where Iowa is headed and "cutting edge stuff."
Miller has a perception in the community as a place in need of an increase in student discipline. What is your feeling about that and your plan?
"I want people to know it's a safe place, and there will be accountability measures as we move forward," Large said. "We are not going to allow poor behavior."
How will you get to know the staff and the students?
"From the shoot, I'm going to ask for informal meetings with the staff and ask questions," Large said. "With the students I will be seen and visible. If I can sit in my office and be a hermit, that's not me."
Parent involvement is seen as a key to education. How will you go about that at MIller?
He said they plan to have an open house for both seventh and eighth grade students and their families to start the year. He also said he will work with parents and staff to find a way to communicate better.
"We want to make sure we find a way that parents want to communicate," Large said.
Miller has undergone several reform measures in the past two years, where do you see that going in the future?
"We're going to continue them," Large said. "We're taking a look at what programs are truly effective."
What is something about you that's unique?
"I'm an adventure racer which is a race where you bike and canoe and run," he said. "I'm very much an outdoors person."