Enthusiastic is a pretty good word that could be used to describe Magee High School’s new principal.
Dr. Brad Blake will take the reins at Magee High officially on July 1; however, if he is anything like he presents himself, it will be sooner than that.
Superintendent Greg Paes and Asst. Supt. of Human Resources Dr. Robert Sanders brought Dr. Blake by to meet with us as one of his first stops in visiting the community.
Blake says that one of his first goals is to focus on building a sense of pride in our students but also improving their curriculum-based skills.
Blake was confident that based on his ability, along with that of the staff, they will be able to get back to a “C” rated school by the end of the 2021 school year, and it is his goal to have the school to at least a “B” rating within three years. He did not, however, rule out the possibility of getting the school to an “A” rating in that time frame.
Part of what he intends to do along the way is to have members of the faculty and staff aware of where they are stand in regard to benchmarks of successful schools. He said it is important to regularly know where you stand so you can work toward the desired goals. He said, “We are going to start each day out fresh and not carry past issues forward.”
Blake also intends to create a strong focus on math and algebra as well as the English Language Arts. He said this will build the classes’ momentum and in turn they will be at a proper place to achieve desired goals and objectives.
Dr. Blake and his wife have four children who currently reside in Clinton. He takes the position of principal after having functioned as assistant principal in Vicksburg City Schools. The students are enrolled in career academies in Vicksburg and he served in the role of overseeing Health and Human Services.
In addition he has served 17 years in the ministry. He was the child of a minister and was born in Bradford, Ontario. After living there for three years his family moved to Tennessee. He is a graduate of Harding University and completed his doctoral studies at the University of Mississippi.
He has taught European history, AP world history, US history and other subjects.
One of his stated goals is for students to learn “Everything is doable.” His goals include making sure that all classes support the fundamental basics of mathematics and the English Language Arts.
When asked how he felt the pandemic may impact schools he said every year we have remediation to get back on track where school left off from the previous semester.
Another goal Blake plans to establish is stronger technology learning.
He said it is also a goal to get Magee back to a Four- A school. He feels that through offering a stronger cirrocumulus willing afford the chance of attracting new students.
He stated that he really enjoys basketball and played in high school. He said he gave it a shot in college but was not quite there. His favorite team is the San Antonio Spurs.
He is a religious person having gone into the ministry as well as being ordained himself. He said his family has a devotional time on a daily basis to include singing which he really enjoys.
He said at some point he would hope in addition to offering A/P classes he could also have a high school choir.
