Arp ISD Photos

Arp High School and Arp Junior High School will be under new leadership in the upcoming 2021-22 school year.

Mike Miller becomes the new high school principal after serving in that same role at Arp Junior High the last two years.

Miller replaces Bryan Hurst who is leaving the district to accept a position at Quitman ISD where his children attend.  He had been at Arp the last five years where he was junior high principal before moving up to the high school, and ultimately also served the role of assistant superintendent.

"I personally want to thank Bryan for his years of service at Arp ISD," said Arp ISD Superintendent Shannon Arrington.  "Bryan will be missed."

He is confident Miller will make a successful and smooth transition to the high school.  "I am excited that Mike and his family are here at Arp.  I have no doubt that the high school will continue to excel under his leadership," Arrington stated.

Miller has more than two decades of public school experience both as an administrator and educator.

Before coming to Arp, he spent four years as assistant high school principal and CTE director at Center ISD.  Prior to that, he was at Rusk ISD as band director for 15 years.

"I am proud to be joining the team at AHS," said Miller.  "I hope to visit with (the faculty and staff) during the coming days to find out what makes AHS great, and how I can help continue the tradition."

After being named secondary assistant principal earlier this summer, Jason Shieldes steps in as interim junior high principal.

He has been a teacher at both the high school and collegiate level for 20 years, most recently as head of Arp High School's science department.  Shieldes has been part of the Arp ISD family for the last 12 years.

"I am confident Jason will do a wonderful job serving the teachers and students at Arp junior high," stressed Arrington.

In a message to the junior high faculty and staff, Shieldes said his goal is "To support you anyway I can, so together we can better support our kiddos."

He adds that he, "Can't wait to get started."

Longtime Arp ISD teacher and counselor Donna Lowery takes over as secondary (6th grade-12th grade) assistant principal.

A Tiger the last 26 years, Lowery enters her 34th year in public education.  She had just assumed the responsibilities of college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) director.

"Congratulations to Mrs. Lowery on being named secondary assistant principal," said Miller.  "She is a tremendous resource for AHS.  I anticipate great things working with her to help AHS achieve the long term goals set forth in the Operation Arp 2025 Strategic Plan, and the short term goal of being day one ready for the 2021-22 school year," he explained.

Arrington expressed gratitude for having qualified individuals within the district willing to work amidst the necessary changes so everyone can continue to move forward.

"The combination of talent and experience that these three individuals all bring to Arp ISD is truly a blessing," he stated.