JACS names new director of schools; Carthage names new assistant principal

The Joplin Globe, Mo.
·3 min read

Mar. 20—The Joplin Area Catholic Schools system has announced a new director, and the Carthage School District has announced a new assistant principal for Carthage Junior High.

JACS

Jess Sickman has been named the new director of JACS. She starts July 1.

She brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing and business development to her new role.

Sickman will work with the JACS business office and principals of its three schools on the strategic plan as well as building the school's relationships with various corporate and community partners. She will also focus on enrollment efforts for the system.

"I'm thrilled to be an ambassador for the JACS family within our community," Sickman said in a statement. "It is my prayer that together we can amplify our collective spirit to showcase the exceptional qualities that make us unique — all while being faithful servants of Christ."

Sickman currently serves as learning development specialist for OWN Inc., formerly Anderson Engineering. She grew up in Southern Illinois and attended Eastern Illinois University, where she studied hospitality and business administration. Her career in hotel management brought her to Joplin, where she has remained connected professionally for the last 18 years.

"We are thrilled to add Jess' expertise to our school's admin team," the Rev. Brian J. Straus, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, said in a statement. "Her business background and her faith are key assets as we grow and look to the future of Catholic education in Joplin."

Sickman replaces Emily Yoakam, who accepted the position of assistant superintendent of teaching and learning in the Seneca School District.

Carthage

Logan Wilson has been named the new assistant principal for Carthage Junior High School, starting in the 2024-25 school year.

He replaces longtime assistant principal Regina Fields, who is retiring after 12 years.

Before joining Carthage, he served as the assistant principal and athletic director at Branson Junior High, where he supervised and monitored the growth of teachers and coaches, assisted with the implementation of Professional Learning Communities and ensured the safety of junior high facilities and daily routines.

Before that, he was a Carthage teacher and coach for seven years. His roles included teaching U.S. history at the high school level, geography at the junior high, physical education/health for seventh and eighth grades, and math at the Carthage Intermediate Center. He also served as a health teacher at Seneca High School.

Head Principal Brittany Bridges said in a statement: "Mr. Wilson brings over a decade of experience in education. His roles in teaching, coaching and administration make him an invaluable asset to our team. Mr. Wilson works extremely hard, is always willing to help others, and has strong ties to CJHS that make him an exceptional choice for the next assistant principal."

In a statement, Wilson said: "It is my goal to help continually develop the rich academic and family culture of CJHS. I look forward to working alongside the teachers, staff and families of Carthage Junior High for the betterment of our students."