A new school year comes with new processes, new people, and a new start. Middle school principal Marcus Eckert will have his chance to be the new high school principal starting with the upcoming 2023-24 school year. The current principal Kenneth Wooten will move into a different role at the home office.

“I feel extremely excited and humbled by the opportunity,” Eckert said. “I have the privilege to work alongside an amazing team that is committed to providing our students with a world-class education. I’m fired up to see our Cardinals rise and shine in their pursuit of excellence!”

He has already spent some of his experience being a principal at the high school level, so he is prepared. Seeing students succeed is one of his favorite parts of being a principal.

“I am fortunate to have spent a decade of my career at the high school level,” Eckert said. “There is no experience like it. I am looking forward to being a small part of something great. I’m looking forward to seeing the painstaking work and subsequent victories of our talented students and seeing the impact that each of our Cardinals will make in the world, both individually and collectively.”

Eckert is ready to work with the staff and accomplish many things. Seeing the staff encourage the students to always do their best also makes him even more want to be part of the staff.

“I can’t wait to work with the talented team of teachers to provide our Cardinals with every opportunity to be successful,” Eckert said. “I eagerly anticipate being a part of a team that inspires students to rise and shine as they continue their relentless pursuit of post-secondary success.”

He has his own expectations that he encourages his future students to follow. With these expectations, he believes they will succeed.

“My expectations for high school students are that they know and live the Melissa ISD core values of integrity, loyalty, honesty, humility, and hope,” Eckert said. “High school students should be familiar with the MISD graduate profile and begin taking ownership of their own learning and future. I believe each one of our Cardinals should be relentless in their pursuit to INSPIRE (breathe life into the world), SUCCEED (be the best you are capable of being), AND EVOLVE (continuous improvement even in the midst of adversity).”

Moving from different schools and grade levels is a change in environment, but he is grateful he has this opportunity.

“I feel grateful. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to be a small part of each student’s academic journey over the past few years,” Eckert said. “It is a blessing that I will get to be there as our Cardinals walk across the stage at the conclusion of their K-12 educational experience.”

Eckert will miss the middle school, but that doesn’t take away from his excitement to be here at the high school.

“ I will absolutely miss it,” Eckert said. “Melissa Middle School is a special place with a team of servant leaders and great students. However, that will not hinder my commitment and excitement for this new opportunity at MHS! Go, Cardinals! RedRed! Rise&Shine!”

Melissa ISD announced on Friday that the new middle school principal taking Eckert’s place will be the current assistant principal, Melinda Keen.