Catherine Hayes

New principal Jason Potts at his desk.

Former Big Red teacher and assistant principal Jason Potts returned to PHS as principal on July 31, following the resignation of former principal Kenneth DeMoss earlier that month.

After graduating from WVU and moving to Parkersburg in 2000, Potts began teaching science at Van Devender Middle School. He was a science teacher and assistant principal at PHS before working for the Board of Education for six years as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

“I loved the process of teaching and helping,” Potts said. “My favorite part is interacting with students.”

As principal, Potts wants to stress the importance of safety. This includes having the administrative staff be present in the hallways, visible in the building, attending lunch and bus duties, and showing availability.

“I want us to be seen as here to help,” Potts said.

Potts, the school’s 29th principal, believes PHS has a strong tradition in the arts, academics and athletics. He would like to give more attention to sports teams and clubs that often get overshadowed. He also wants to “celebrate the successes” of all teams.

As a former teacher, he wants to help teachers in the classroom and expects them to be “consistent, firm and fair.”

“I think having experience in the classroom (is important) so you know it from that vantage point,” Potts said.

As for students, he hopes to be viewed as approachable, helpful and fair.

“I want PHS to be a place students want to come and learn,” Potts said.

Potts wants to help students who fall behind get back on track and plans to work with struggling students individually on what they need to succeed. The father of three hopes that they will be able to catch students early when they begin falling behind.

“I would really like students to succeed here,” Potts said.