Texarkana, Texas – At a recent Board of Trustees meeting, Region 8 Education Service Center announced that Liberty‑Eylau Middle School principal Michael Jones will receive the Thriving Leader award. The honor celebrates administrators who exceed professional‑learning expectations, such as completing 36 or more hours of development.
Improving school accountability
Human‑resources director Brandy Burnett highlighted the school’s progress under Jones’s leadership, noting the move from an F accountability rating to a C. “That took some time, and he invested his time in learning and attending training sessions at Region 8 to make this happen,” Burnett said. She added that while challenges remain, the achievement deserves celebration.
Focused, data‑driven instruction
Jones explained that the turnaround required more than chasing a better rating. “We knew improvement would require intentional, high‑quality instruction, data‑driven decisions, monitoring individual student growth, targeted interventions and consistent expectations across the campus,” he said. By encouraging students to set and pursue personal goals, the school shifted growth from a staff‑only effort to a shared mission.
“This helped make student growth something we were working toward together rather than something that belonged only to the adults,” Jones added.
Community praise
Superintendent Jeff Wright praised Jones’s leadership, stating, “He leads with purpose, builds strong relationships and continually works to create an environment where both students and staff can thrive. This recognition is well‑deserved, and we are fortunate to have him leading Liberty‑Eylau Middle School.”
Jones expressed gratitude for the award, noting, “It means you’re doing something meaningful. It’s just good to be recognized for the effort you put in and the work.” He emphasized that the C rating is not an endpoint but a confirmation that the school is moving in the right direction.
Looking ahead
“Our focus now is to build on that momentum, continue raising expectations and ensure that every student at Liberty‑Eylau Middle School experiences growth and success,” Jones said. The formal recognition ceremony is scheduled for September 28 at the Region 8 service center in Pittsburg, Texas.
The award underscores the importance of continuous professional development for school leaders and highlights how dedicated leadership can translate into measurable academic improvement for students and families in the Liberty‑Eylau community.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
