NKHS principal to step down at conclusion of school year

New Kent High School principal Yvonne Jones announced that she will be stepping down from her post at the conclusion of the school year.

Jones made the announcement at New Kent School Board’s regular meeting Monday night.

“I think it’s time for someone to take the reins and take New Kent High School to the next level,” Jones said.

Jones spoke about the process she went through before making the choice to leave the New Kent school system.

“I really feel that it’s something I’ve been thinking about,” she said. “It is time for me to do some growing and it is time for me to look at other things in education.”

Jones reminisced on her time in education, mentioning that it’s “in her blood.” She’s spent a total of 41 years in education, with the last 14 years at her post at New Kent High School.

The principal shed a couple of tears as spoke about messages she hoped students and staff learned under her tenure.

“For students, I hoped they learn to never give up,” Jones said emotionally. “It takes time management, staying focused, and accepting suggestions as they get older. That’s what I want my children [students] to learn.

“For my staff, I just want them to know how proud I am of them,” she continued. “Through ups and downs, they handled changes. They may not have agreed with everything but they are willing to work and they can see how they affect children in this school. This is a great staff.”

On the flip side, the principal also rendered lessons her staff provided over the last 14 years.

“My staff has helped me grow, settle, and understand what’s important. They showed me different paths to take,” Jones’ monologue continued. “When I was younger, it was hard to take advice, but as I matured, it was about taking what you don’t know and taking time to learn it.

“I am comfortable with what we have done as a staff and team and I am comfortable leaving this school in good hands,” she added.

And while Jones is leaving New Kent, she stood firm on not retiring.

“It’s more of transitioning,” she said, quoting an article from “The Ruritan” and former NBA athlete Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

“I thank the school board, staff, teachers, and students who have given me great memories over these years and I know that New Kent High School will go on to bigger and better things.”

For now, Jones will take a little time off to spend with her loved ones.

“I want to spend more time with my family, especially my mom and dad, who are up in years and still hold the secrets of life,” said Jones. “I want to learn more about life. I want to stay connected to my husband and my sons, my church, and continue learning, but do it on my terms.

“Life has been extremely good and I am so thankful,” she concluded.