Jones Senior principal to accept new position, Tod Morgan to take over next month
Jones Senior principal Bryce Marquis has accepted an offer to be the director of educational programs in the county. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News
By Junious Smith III
TRENTON — Jones Senior may be getting a new principal, but won’t be losing the old one.
Bryce Marquis is taking on a new position as the director of educational programs in Jones County. Marquis, who started the year as Jones Senior’s principal, will maintain his position until early November, as he makes the transition.
Marquis said he’s thankful to take on the new position while maintaining his reach in the area.
“We were able to get the school up and running, and while there are things to improve on, it worked out to where I could make this jump,” Marquis said. “I’ve been in education for 21 years and Jones County is the closest to home to me in terms of work, the rural environment and the great people here. I’m thankful for my coworkers and this wonderful community.”
Tod Morgan, who worked at Jones Senior for two years — including the assistant principal role in the 2016-17 school year — will be the new principal. Submitted photo.
Marquis’ replacement is a familiar one at Jones Senior — Tod Morgan. Although this is Morgan’s first head principal position, he served as an assistant principal at Jones Senior, along with Pamlico County Middle School.
Morgan, who has spent the past two years at East Carteret, said coming back to Jones Senior is a true blessing.
“Jones Senior is a special place with special people, and Trojan pride sticks with you,” Morgan said. “I felt like this would be a wonderful opportunity to come back and as principal become a leader for the students and faculty.”
Morgan will also serve as the Jones County Public Schools athletic director.
“I’ll be working with the other athletic directors in the area while trying to help build a feeder program — teaming up with the Jones County Rec department — to help the kids become successful.”
Morgan has racked up 331 wins in his 22-year coaching career in basketball, including 37 during the two seasons he was at Jones Senior. Morgan helped the Trojans go from 4-20 to 19-9 during the 2015-16 campaign, and while he won’t be coaching, said there are similarities in his future position.
“Coaching is also about teaching and mentoring, helping someone reach their fullest potential,” Morgan said. “As a principal, I’ll have the opportunity with the students and teachers, bringing the best out of them, and I’m just excited to get started.”
