By Charles Ashley - Mississippi Tribune
In keeping with The Mississippi Tribune’s theme of “news from the community, about the community” one of the Mississippi Tribune publishers, Charles Ashley interviewed the Principal of Higgins Middle School, Kelli Little.
Ashley: Principal Little are you married and are there any kids?
Little: Yes, I’ve been married to Pat Little for 20 years and we have two (2) beautiful children. There is Lauren Little, who is in the 10th grade at McComb High and Jared Little, who is in the 5th grade here at Higgins Middle School.
Ashley: Tell our readers about yourself.
Little: I grew up in McComb, Pat and I both are graduates of McComb High and our children are following in our footsteps. I got my Bachelor’s in Special Education from USM in Hattiesburg. I taught school for seven (7) years at Higgins. I then went back to USM and received my Master’s in Administration. I was assistant principal at Kennedy for two (2) years and one (1) year under James Jenkins at Higgins Middle School. I became principal at Higgins in 2006. I’m very passionate about two (2) things: my family and my job, which I feel is my dream job.
Ashley: What is your vision for Higgins?
Little: To raise student achievement and to prepare our students for Denman Jr. High, not only academically but also socially.
Ashley: What grades are at Higgins?
Little: 5th and 6th grades.
Ashley: You’ve been principal for a short time. Has it been a smooth transition with your staff from Assistant Principal to Principal?
Little: Let me answer this in a different way. It actually started with my transition from teacher to assistant principal. That transition was the most difficult transition, as I was equal as a teacher and now I was, in essence, my co-workers’ boss. It was a lot easier from assistant principal to principal because by now I knew their strengths and weaknesses and they knew mine. The staff knew my work ethic as a teacher and that made it smoother later on as I have worked my way up through hard work, humbleness and understanding. Also, it’s worth nothing that some of the teachers that are now under my leadership actually taught me, so I had to earn their respect in my principal position, and I have.
Ashley: When I interviewed Kennedy Principal, Ms Katrina Hinds and Otken Principal, Ms. Camita Nobles, I noted that they were 33 and 34-years-old, respectively. I asked them did they feel that at such young ages they could lead their schools in an effective way. You are only 39 so I ask you the same question.
Little: I’m extremely confident in my ability. One of the reasons is that I have an experienced staff that I can lean on. They have been invaluable. Frankly, I would not be the success that I am without their input. On the other hand, I have the experience to lead my newer staff in an effective and productive way. They can only grow from my leadership and experience.
Ashley: How has it been working with upper lever management such as the Superintendent Therese Palmertree and Deputy Superintendent Lavender German?
Little: They all have been very supportive. They want the principals of all their schools to run the schools. Anytime I’ve needed anything they’ve gotten it for me. I could not ask for stronger leadership. They tell me exactly what they expect from me but they give me the flexibility to get there in my own way. They are all visible and they know the teachers by name. To me that shows true leadership.
Ashley: I’ve been keeping up with the flu scare throughout the state of Mississippi. What can you tell our readers about how McComb School District, particularly, Higgins is handling this issue?
Little: We put the information out there. We have posters up that teach how to their wash hands. And, sanitizer is in each room. Our teachers personally wipe down the desks at the end of each day. We even send notes to parents with updates and instructions on how to keep their child safe. We’ve had confirmed cases of flu but overall we’ve been blessed with minimum cases. We also have an on-sight nurse who is on top of this situation. That is a big plus for Higgins and the McComb School District in general.
Ashley: What do you like to do outside of school?
Little: I enjoy spending time with my family, going to McComb football games where my daughter is a cheerleader and I’m a noted “cheer mom”. My husband teaches karate, and one of his students is our son, Jared, who is a green belt working towards a blue belt. I enjoy watching his progress and my husband teaching his trade. I also enjoy spending time in church and exercising.
Ashley: Mrs. Little I would like to ask Higgins counselor, Ms Lisa Haydell who has been sitting with us, a question if that’s okay.
Little: Sure!
Ashley: Ms. Haydell your boss appears to be an extremely positive person, which is something I personally strive to be every day of my life. Can you share some thoughts on my observation of Ms. Little with our readers?
Haydell: One of the most important things about a leader is their energy and their vibes they give off. They must maintain those vibes 24/7 in front of whomever they are leading at all times. Ms. Little is able to do that and this gives the staff and the kids’ confidence that there is light at the end of the tunnel. And now a days we need this type of energy and confidence. She may go in her office, close the door (which she would never do as her door is always open) and fall apart, but in front of us she’s always very positive, even during this economy and war, etc. This type of leadership is invaluable. She’s also a health conscience person which adds to her positiveness.
Ashley: Mrs. Little, any final thoughts?
Little: In conclusion, I’m very fortunate that every day I wake up-- I’m so blessed to know that I have the support of my family and I get to go to my dream job.
Ashley: Well that concludes my interview. I wish you well in all you do and may God bless you and your family.
