New Team At DES Excited About School Year

By David Howell

Editor

WATER VALLEY – With the start of school just around the corner the new leadership team at Davidson Elementary School is gearing up for an exciting year. Valeree Ellis-Barnes was hired in May as principal and James Watson was hired in June as assistant principal at DES.

Barnes will start her second year working in the school district after serving as assistant principal at DES during the 2017-18 school year. Watson comes to Water Valley after working a decade at the Leflore County School District, most recently working as a fourth grade math teacher.

“I lost my mom a year ago, I was looking for a new start,” Watson said about his decision to leave the district in Greenwood and come to Water Valley.

“I loved Leflore County, I loved the school, the students and my colleagues… and I am willing to show the same commitment to this district as I did at Leflore County,” Watson said about his career move. He also plans to move to the area to be fully vested in the community, adding that it reminds him of his hometown of Lexington.

“It’s small, it’s family oriented. I am used to that type of atmosphere. I am excited to get into this community, get to know everybody and help out as much as I can,” Watson explained. 

Watson’s love of math, even as a young kid, is what ultimately drove him to pursue a career in teaching. He earned a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Mississippi, a master’s degree in teaching from Mississippi State Valley University and a Specialist in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi. 

“Because I love math so much, I want others to love it just like I do. I try to make it easy, I try to make it relatable using real skills,” Watson explained.

Water Valley School District Superintendent Dr. Michael McInnis reported that Watson stood out, both during the recruiting and interview process as the search committee  looked for the perfect candidate. 

“He was very impressive during the interviews and I think one of his strongest attributes will be his commitment to the community and school district,” McInnis said. “I am excited about their vision, Mr. Watson and Mrs. Barnes, to bring long-term stability to Davidson Elementary School.

Watson’s credentials and his personality is what stood out for Barnes, who also noted their shared vision as administrators will make a strong team. 

“The biggest thing is the push for literacy, the push for math and science literacy along with professional development for our teachers,” Barnes said. She also said Watson will be a strong role model for the students at the school.

“He can provide mentorships for our young men. They can see a positive role model. They can also have an opportunity to see an educator in action, committed, and being in the classroom to support teachers. He will give the young men a sense of learning who they want to be and helping establish their goals at a young age,” Barnes told the Herald.  

“This is meaningful work, this is not a job. Like Mr. Watson, I too grew up in a small area and that is where you get the biggest bang for your buck,” Barnes agreed. 

For Barnes, the opportunity to lead DES is special as she was a close friend of the late Dr. Carol Gary, the much-loved former DES principal who was killed in 2013. 

“I feel like we have an opportunity to honor her spirit. By doing what is right by our children, by our staff and this community. We aim to get this an A-rated school and we are not leaving until that happens,” Barnes added.