Principal's Message

 As the newly appointed principal of Robert L. Merritt Junior High School, I am committed to leading with integrity, professionalism, and purpose. My vision is to foster a school environment where excellence in teaching and learning is the standard, and where every staff member and student is empowered to reach their highest potential.

At the heart of this vision is a firm commitment to professionalism and accountability. Every employee—from faculty to support staff—will be expected to perform with excellence, take ownership of their responsibilities, and serve our students with dedication and pride. We will operate with a shared understanding that our work has a direct impact on the lives and futures of the students we serve.

As an ethical leader, I believe in modeling the behavior I expect to see. I value fairness, consistency, and transparency. I expect our staff to be mature, self-motivated professionals who understand their roles and execute them without needing constant reminders. We are all leaders in our own right, and leadership begins with how we carry ourselves and how we treat one another.

My leadership style is grounded in collaboration and capacity building. I believe that when we work together—sharing knowledge, uplifting one another, and supporting professional growth—we elevate our entire school community. I am committed to providing the resources, support, and opportunities our teachers and staff need to grow as professionals and instructional leaders.

My top priority is student achievement. I will work collectively to ensure that every student is challenged, supported, and celebrated. This means using data to inform instruction, holding high expectations for all learners, and creating a learning environment that is inclusive, rigorous, and respectful.

At Robert L. Merritt Junior High School, we will build a culture where equity, respect, and accountability guide our decisions and our daily work. Everyone will be held responsible for contributing to a safe, positive, and high-performing school environment. Together, we will establish a legacy of academic excellence, professional integrity, and community pride.

Rodney Adams, Principal