Williamsburg Says Goodbye to Jones

Though Michael Jones, the current secondary principal at Williamsburg Community School District, will be leaving the district following the Class of 2022 graduation, his mark on the district will remain. Jones is leaving to pursue a career in ministry.

Jones began his tenure as principal in 2017, following a position teaching at Penn Cambria School District. Jones said that while teaching at Penn Cambria, he earned his principal K-12 certification from California University of Pennsylvania.

For the past five years, Jones has helped lead the district through the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other obstacles. His biggest achievement, however, deals with his love for the students of Williamsburg.

"We have had a lot of changes to the physical building during my tenure in Williamsburg," said Jones. "But I would consider my biggest achievements to be the times when I worked with or talked to students. In some of those moments, students started to believe that they could accomplish lofty goals or they believed that they could be successful, and so they do."

After being principal for five years, the biggest lesson Jones has learned lies in the importance of communication.

"Communication and connections are keys to success," Jones said. "I may have held the title of principal; however, there are a lot of people behind the scenes that make the school run on a daily basis. There is no position that is insignificant."

"Mr. Jones' tenure at Williamsburg High School has been very impactful," said Superintendent Lisa Murgas. "He came into the district and created many positive relationships with students, staff, parents and the community. He worked extremely hard with the administration and staff to enhance programs already in place and develop new ones to create opportunities for our students.  We wish him well in his future endeavors. He will be greatly missed."

Elementary Principal Jennifer Metzler echoed the sentiment.

"It has been a pleasure working with Mr. Jones the past three years," Metzler said. "He has made a positive impact on the district as he has displayed exemplary leadership qualities for others to follow including staff and students. He left a mark at WCSD and will be greatly missed by all."

Secondary Social Studies teacher Kelly Over agreed, saying, "It has been a pleasure to work with him. I have enjoyed his pleasant demeanor and easy-going style. These attributes of Mr. Jones have made for a great working relationship. I will miss our conversations that we often held during cafeteria duty."

For Jones, a love of Williamsburg has always helped him and his students.

"Williamsburg is a great community that is very supportive and active in the lives of the youth," Jones said. "This community will always have a place in my heart."

The school district has not announced if an in-house teacher will replace Jones or if the district will be advertising the position.

No matter who this replacement is, Jones said, "I would tell the new principal to take one day at a time and to remember to breathe."

There is no doubt that Jones has not only left a mark on the students, the faculty and administration of Williamsburg, but the community as well in the last five years.

"During our most challenging times, Mr. Jones served as a dependable leader and positive role model for the students and staff in our district," Williamsburg Community School Boardmember Carlee Ranalli said. "He brought ideas, changes, and updates that I hope we continue to use into the future. I am grateful for the impact he made in our community and wish him the best in pursuing his passion."