Principal

Dr. Sara Harper

Principal's Message

As principal, my role of leadership and my goals for the school are many. The most important thing, however, is to provide a safe, nurturing learning environment filled with meaningful opportunities for each student to meet their unique potential. We know that each child has talents and gifts, and it is our responsibility to find ways to make those gifts emerge. We want each child to understand their strengths and to be prepared to share their gifts with the world. We have seen the fruits of our work in the amazing progress of our students, as they step into the next chapter of their lives as self-assured, successful students and problem-solvers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education (K-8) and Exceptional Education (K-12) Millsaps College (2000)
• Master of Science degree in Guidance and Counseling, Jackson State University (2005)
• Education Specialist in Administration, Mississippi College (2008) Doctor of Education in Administration, Mississippi College (2014)

Experience

• 24 years invested in Jackson Public Schools
• 6 years at Lee Elementary teaching Exceptional Education
• 7 years at McWillie Elementary teaching Montessori 6-9 and 9-12 (Team Leader)
• 11 years as Principal at McWillie Elementary

Honors

• 2023-2024 Jackson Public School's Administrator of the Year
• 2023-2024 MDE Principal Advisory Council
• 2023 Principal Coach
• 2022 Principal Advisory Council
• 2020 Mississippi College Student Teacher Advisor
• 2010 Leadership Development Academy Graduate
• 2009 McWillie Elementary's Teacher of the Year
• 2008 Mississippi College Top Honor’s List (4.0 GPA)
• 2005 Jackson State University's Dean’s List (4.0 GPA)
• 2004 Lee Elementary's “Teacher of the Year”
• 2003 Lee Elementary's "Marva Collins Award"