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Velma Jackson Welcomes
New Principal
Nicole Schuler
Brendon Bell, ED.S. was appointed as the new principal
of Velma Jackson High School in April of this year. Upon
earning his master’s degree in educational leadership in 2016,
Bell served as assistant principal of Old Town Middle School
in Ridgeland from 2015 to 2018 and principal of Madison
County Academic Options Center from 2018 to 2021. Prior to
entering the field of education, Bell served in law enforcement
for nine years as a narcotics and patrol officer. When asked
why he made the career change, Bell explained it was time to
“switch gears to a career that allows more time with family.”
Brendon Bell has a clear desire and passion to see students
grow “holistically, socially, emotionally, and educationally.”
His primary goal is to push his students towards success in
becoming “well-rounded contributors to society.” Bell’s
motivator is seeing his students become successful in the
workforce. “I love observing the impact education has on
students,” said Bell. “I have taught a lot of kids and coached
a lot of sports. The most rewarding part is seeing students
graduate and become successful contributors to society.”
According to Brendon Bell, a student’s mindset is the most
pivotal factor in determining their success. “It is so important
to create a mindset in students that they can be successful,”
said Bell. “You may have to reshape their thoughts about
where they come from. They have to believe they can persevere
despite their socio-economic circumstance.” Bell believes an
adequate measure of student success in the classroom is based
on engagement. “Seeing students taking ownership in their
progress and success is one of the best indicators of student
achievement,” he said.
Bell described his approach to student discipline as “fair,
firm, and consistent.” According to Bell, the best way to “mold
and shape them into good people” is to provide solid and
steady direction. “My job is to give them guidance, structure,
and support throughout their academic journey,” he said. “Of
course, I always need to have sympathy, as well,” he explained.
Being sympathetic towards the student and root of the
behavior is a necessary mindset to have when approaching
student discipline. “As I grew as an administrator, I learned to
get to know what is happening to cause the misbehavior,” said
Bell. “Even if consequences are still in order, we can execute
that without damaging relationships.”
Brendon Bell has high expectations for his students and
teachers. He acts as an advocate for his faculty and staff by
“being a great source of support for them.” Bell emphasized
the value in providing quality instruction and assistance to his
staff. “I need to be willing and able to help them grow in their
craft and provide quality instruction at their level, side by side,
instead of from a higher position,” he said.
Velma Jackson exhibits a strong sense of pride in community.
According to Bell, the atmosphere created by the faculty and
staff make it feel like home. “It makes me want to go the extra
mile to help everyone succeed. Becoming the principal at Velma
Jackson has been one of the best decisions I have made in my
career so far.”
According to Bell, Velma Jackson is one of the premier
high schools in the state of Mississippi. The school is home to
Mississippi’s first model academy of multimedia. The academy
of multimedia allows students to design graphics, operate the
jumbotron, explore 3D printing, and create banners and
posters for school events. “There is so much potential in these
students, which we work tirelessly to cultivate,” said Bell. He
called the school a “diamond in the rough” explaining that it is
a “small town school with so much potential.”
When asked about his plans to improve the school, Bell
explained his goal is to “continue to sharpen focus on academics
and instructional practices.” Bell looks to expose the students
to more opportunities in arts and education. “I want to
partner with the workforce to find out what they are looking
for. This way we can cultivate a student who can meet the
needs of the workforce,” said Bell. “My main focus is to create
a body of students who are college and career ready.”
Hometown MADISON • 51