Watts has been with Carrithers for more than eight years
By Juliann Morris
June 12, 2023–After serving as the interim principal since April 2023, Jason Watts has been named principal of Carrithers Middle School.
“We have made some tremendous strides over the past few years, and I am passionate about keeping that momentum going and moving us forward,” Watts said. “We have the right people, in the right places, with the right mindset to make Carrithers better than it ever has been.”
Watts has worked at Carrithers Middle School since 2014 when he was hired as the assistant principal. Watts started his career at Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) in 2005 as a teacher at the now-closed Myers Middle School and also taught social studies at Conway Middle School.
“Jason Watts has dedicated eight years as the assistant principal of Carrithers, and in that time has built strong relationships with the staff, students and community,” said Dr. Rob Fulk, assistant superintendent of middle schools. “We are pleased with his performance as the interim principal and believe he possesses all the attributes to be a successful middle school principal. We are excited for his leadership of Carrithers.”
Watts earned his Education Specialist degree in Administration, Master of Arts in Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in History, all from the University of Louisville.
The Carrithers principal post is the “ultimate job” he’s always wanted, Watts said. He added that he will draw on his experience in instructional leadership, staff development, and student-centered approaches to encourage academic excellence through an equity lens.
As the school’s permanent leader, Watts said he will focus on ensuring all stakeholders are working toward the same goals, including high academic expectations and increased sense of community.
“I want to increase our students’ sense of belonging and make Carrithers a place where all students feel welcomed, accepted, and a part of the overall school community,” Watts said. “I’m ready to lead the school in a new direction, make positive changes, get all of our stakeholders working toward the same goals, and make Carrithers one of the best middle schools in the district.”