Perry County Board of Education names new principal at Francis Marion School

An educator with experience as a teacher and coach at several Black Belt schools has been named principal of Francis Marion School.

The Perry County Board of Education in a called meeting on Friday named Demetrice Jackson as the new principal for Francis Marion High School for 2025-26 school year.

Jackson is a 2002 Francis Marion alumnus and comes to Perry County from serving as the 11th grade principal and athletic director at Johnson Abernathy Graetz High School in Montgomery. Prior to that, he held positions as physical education teacher and coach at Ridgecrest Elementary and Russell County Middle School, where he led varsity football and taught computer science. His leadership journey includes time as head football coach and athletic director at Linden High School, where he also served as head basketball coach and defensive coordinator, guiding teams to notable success.

Jackson has also taught at Brantley High School, contributing to a 2012 Class 1A State Championship, and held teaching and coaching roles at Anniston and Selma High Schools. His educational background includes an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision and Educational Leadership, earned in December 2024; a Master of Science in Instructional Leadership from Jacksonville State University; and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Miles College.

Beyond his professional work, Jackson is a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Selma and an active member of Cascade Hills Church in Columbus, Georgia.

Jackson is married to Crystal Jackson, who is also an educator, and they are proud parents toa daughter, Caylee, who is currently a freshman at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

"As he takes on the role of principal at Francis Marion School, Mr. Jackson looks forward to giving back to the school and community that helped shape his own educational journey," Perry County Schools said in a statement. "He is committed to fostering a culture of academic achievement, integrity, and opportunity for all students."