Jamal Edward Harris was born in Atlanta, Georgia and attended Fulton County Schools. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from The Fort Valley State University, where he was a proud member of the “Blue Machine” Marching Band and participated in several clubs and organizations. Along his educational journey, he also obtained a Master of Science degree in Administration and Supervision from Liberty University and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Columbus State University.
Before coming to Macon County, Mr. Harris served in Houston, Bibb, Peach, and Twiggs Counties. He taught high school and middle school science for a total of 11 years, and he coached basketball and baseball. He then served as an Assistant Principal for three years at Hunt Elementary School in Fort Valley, GA. During his tenure as assistant principal, he achieved several accomplishments including exiting the CSI (Comprehensive Support and Improvement) List in two years, raising the CCRPI score by 15 points in two years, and decreasing discipline referrals by fifty percent. Furthermore, he increased parent approval ratings, student attendance, and teacher attendance. Additionally, he started and led a mentoring group for fifth-grade male students called Young Men in the Making (YMITM).
After serving as the Principal of Jeffersonville Elementary School in Jeffersonville, GA for three months, Mr. Harris was promoted to Principal of Twiggs County Middle High School, where he served for two years. During his tenure as Principal, he created and sustained several programs and initiatives, improved the overall culture and climate of the school and community, increased student attendance, and raised the graduation rate from 76.2% to 88.9%.
Mr. Harris resides in Byron, Georgia with his beautiful wife, Che’, and three beautiful daughters, Rylyn, Marlee, and Nova. They also have two dogs, Rio and Roxie. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, preferably at sporting events. He also enjoys all aspects of music including singing, listening, and even playing a few instruments.
Mr. Harris is deeply humbled by the opportunity to be the principal of Macon County High School. He truly believes that just as teaching is a calling, being chosen to lead is a calling as well. He believes that good leaders are also good servants in that they support whomever they lead. He plans to support every student, teacher, and parent, and work together with the community, keeping the students’ best interests at heart. He has a genuine love for children, and his passion for helping every child reach his or her maximum potential will dictate the way he leads.
Mr. Harris is ecstatic about the limitless possibilities that he foresees at Macon County High School and looks forward to collaborating with the Macon County community to ensure that all students are afforded the best educational experience possible. He plans to instill the belief that every scholar who graduates from Macon County High School will catch the “E” train and become an Entrepreneur, Enrolled, Enlisted, or Employed! Let’s go DAWGS!