Bobbie Jo Lewis, the new Salem R-80 junior high principal, says one of the reasons she wanted to come to Dent County was because of the school’s excellent academic reputation.
She hasn’t been disappointed.
“I have not been here long, but we have some great teachers and students who are supportive of what we want to do,” Lewis said.
Meanwhile the junior high’s new assistant principal, Clay Moody, grew up in the system as a student and is a 12-year teaching veteran and coach.
“I have seen both sides of the school, and it is a district we can be proud of,” Moody said. “I want to continue to develop a good school and continue that pride.”
Lewis said some areas they are looking at for the junior high include a positive behavior support program similar to what has been ongoing at William Lynch Elementary, improving the learning environment, the culture in the building and developing good educational habits.
“We want to do everything we can to increase the students’ success,” Lewis said. “It may take a while to learn everyone’s names, but we have what it takes to succeed.”
Lewis comes to Salem as an administrator in the Belle-Bland middle school the last four years. She also taught for seven years in the St. James district.
She and her husband, Matt, have one daughter, McKenzie who is eight.
Moody is an SHS graduate and the son of Andy and Mary Sue Moody of Salem. He has been teaching here the last 12 years, first as a social studies teacher then a physical education instructor. He has coached football and golf.
Moody said he enjoys family time and outdoor sports. He and his wife, Jenny, have two children, Cayleigh and Cayden.
This is his first year as a principal.
“You look at things in a new way as an administrator,” Moody said. “Our goal is to improve how we learn. We’ve gotten off to a good start, but there is more to do.”
