Siloam Springs High School principal moves to Springdale

SPRINGDALE -- Siloam Springs High School principal Jason Jones is moving to Springdale High School, his new district announced Monday.

Jones replaces Pete Joenks, who will become an assistant superintendent at Prairie Grove this summer. Jones comes following five years as Siloam Springs High School principal and 13 years with the district, according to a news release.

"Through his work in Siloam Springs, Jason Jones has exemplified the characteristics required to extend Springdale High School's excellence in academics, the arts, athletics and every area of the school," Springdale superintendent Jim Rollins said, calling Springdale High a centerpiece of the district. "We are honored to welcome him to our district."

Springdale also is in the process of replacing the principals of Har-Ber High School and the Tyson School of Innovation, who both recently accepted district administration posts. Springdale deputy superintendent Jared Cleveland said previously he expects all roles to be filled before the next school year.

Jones, in a statement, said he's eager to begin and praised his new district for a "rich tradition of excellence, leadership and, most importantly, a reputation for caring about students." He emphasized doing what's best for students and helped launch the Career Academy of Siloam Springs, which offers classes on industrial technology and maintenance, according to the release.

The move means Jones will oversee more students; Siloam Springs this year enrolled about 1,300, according to the Arkansas Department of Education, compared with almost 2,200 at Springdale.

"Jason Jones has done an excellent job in leading our high school," said Siloam Springs Schools Superintendent Ken Ramey. "We hate letting him go after 15 years in the district. He has excellent relationships with both students, parents and faculty. He is a good man and a strong leader. He will find a new culture and different dynamics than we have here and therein is the challenge. We wish him well. He has a wonderful family."