Ferguson settles in as THS head
By Arthur McLean Editor

Kyle Ferguson

New THS principal Kyle Ferguson said he is settling in and learning the ropes at Thomasville High School, but what he's seen of the school system and the town has impressed him.

A native of Brewton, Ferguson is 40 years old and a graduate of T.R. Miller. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State and a Master's degree from the University of South Alabama. He received his teaching certificate from Alabama State University.

His first job was teaching and coaching football at Mobile Christian, a private school. From there, he worked in the Mobile County school system for nine years, seven at Satsuma High School and two at Vigor High School where he served as assistant principal.

In 2001, he took the position of assistant principal at Escambia County High School in Atmore and took the reigns as principal in 2005.

When superintendent Vic Adkison offered him the position at Thomasville High School, he was intrigued. Ferguson said he was already aware of the school system and was familiar with the area.

"I'm an avid hunter and fisherman, so I knew about Thomasville," he said. "It has a great reputation in athletics and academics. It was an opportunity I found very appealing."

Ferguson praised the teaching staff at THS for their dedication and willingness to embrace change. "The focus is on what's best for the children here, and I've been impressed with Dr. Adkison," he said.

His focus coming into this school year will be the continued meeting of the state's requirements for average yearly progress, as part of the No Child Left Behind Act. "It is ongoing improvement and it can be tough in today's times, but we're going to focus on meeting those criteria," he said.

Following that, Ferguson said making sure seniors meet the requirements of the graduation exam is also a priority. "Alabama now has the toughest graduation exam is among the toughest in the U.S. We need to meet the needs of those students who are not meeting the requirements of the graduation exam."

When asked about discipline in school, Ferguson said the key is setting the bar high. "My philosophy is to be as tough as you need to be, but to let them know you love them and that you're going to be fair," he said. "I believe kids live up to their expectations."

Ferguson said some changes have already been implemented at the high school to make sure students are where they need to be during the day working with the teachers to take an active stance in enforcing good behavior at school.

Ferguson is currently looking for property to build on in Thomasville. He has a wife, Sara and two children, Cole and Ragan.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Taking Names and Keeping Score	1
Frances Nichols passes at 91	1
Bryant is a contestant in Ms. Senior Alabama Pageant	1
Dunagans to celebrate golden anniversary	1