An Asset to the Education Community
/Texarkana Arkansas School District’s 12th grade principal, Lekia Jones, helps shape and prepare students to head out into the world
By Lindsey McMillan
Lekia Jones loves to call the Hogs and is a Razorback through and through. A proud member of the Arkansas High Class of 1992, she returns for the upcoming school year to serve as the 12th grade principal. She feels like she has come full circle, not only by being an alumnus but as a teacher and administrator in the district as well. In addition to her work as a teacher and administrator across TASD, she has also worked in the Liberty-Eylau Independent School District and Hope Public Schools. Education is first and foremost in her eyes, primarily by strengthening a student’s character and individuality, along with their academic potential. She holds a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies, an MS in Educational Administration, and her Superintendent Certification from Texas A&M University-Texarkana. She also completed a year in the Arkansas Leadership Academy. Her broad scope of knowledge and experience is an asset to the community, especially in regards to shaping and preparing students to head out into the world. She’s particularly excited to be doing this at Arkansas High School.
The 2019 Union Elementary staff (with Lekia standing on top of the bus) prepared for back to school after their traditional TASD Breakfast.
A native of Texarkana, Lekia attended Arkansas schools and loved to play school on the steps of her apartment building teaching her playmates what she learned that day. Being raised in a humble, lower socio-economic home made her grateful and sympathetic for what so many students are in need of. “Growing up, it wasn’t cool to be smart,” she explains. “It’s important for me to provide for all students and be a resource they can trust and come to.” She also emphasizes the importance of forming healthy relationships between students, teachers, and administrators. Lekia grew up with three sisters and two brothers. While at AHS, she was a member of Mu Alpha Theta (Mathematics Honor Society), Physics Club, the Hovercraft Team, and Student Council. She credits many teachers along the way with supplying her with the skills and confidence to achieve. Such teachers include Donna Harrison, Emmie Gamble, Whitaker Allen, Eloise Turner, Delores Coe, Marilyn Webb, and John Dempsey.
As of July 1, 2022, Lekia serves as assistant principal at Arkansas High School, her Alma Mater. She says, “Once a Razorback, Always a Razorback.”
In addition, Lekia’s great-aunt, Betty Askew, taught elementary school for 38 years and has always been there to encourage her, along with Dr. Robin Hickerson who hired her as a classroom teacher. Mr. Terry L. Taylor convinced her to begin as a substitute teacher during the time that she was in graduate school. While at TAMUT, one of her favorite professors was Dr. Kathy Lease. “Dr. Lease was extremely instrumental in preparing me and many others for the Superintendent Certification program. Her encouraging words, mentorship, and listening ear will always be appreciated.” Lekia is grateful for the wonderful people who helped her become the educator she is today.
Lekia stresses the importance of a good education, especially in light of what has transpired over the last few years. Lack of face-to-face instruction and low morale stemming from the COVID pandemic has given schools so much to work against. But she says they are ready and willing to take on the challenge. In particular, she is anxious to begin the new school year serving first as an advocate. She says, “We will use every single minute as an opportunity to make an impact: this does not start in the 12th grade but by working with all grade level administrators and teachers to ensure a smooth and consistent transition throughout their high school career.” There are various programs at AHS which she is excited to see returning. One of which is the Internship work program, which helps students get ready for the workforce through mentorship. Also, the ROTC presence on campus is an encouraging one with the availability for military recruitment. The AHS Senior Breakfast is taking place on August 11 at Crossties in downtown Texarkana. At this event, students will be able to visit with community leaders and business owners, as well as a variety of groups present to hand out swag bags and offer door prizes.
While at Arkansas High School, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson visits with Lekia and a Union Elementary student.
Lekia is a strong supporter of higher education and encourages her students to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities for higher learning here in the ArkLaTex. In addition, she encourages all in the community to rally in support of students so they can get excited about what lies ahead for them after high school. “With the support of our parents and the Texarkana community, our goals will be met. It truly takes a village – we are calling all Hogs to support our efforts and any others to come back home because ‘Once a Razorback, Always a Razorback.’”
During December 2017, Lekia and her family vacationed in Paris, France, and visited the Louvre Pyramid to see the Mona Lisa.
Lekia has one son, Michael, who is serving in the U.S. Air Force as a First Master Sergeant. He is married and lives in Panama City, Florida, with children, Mackenzye, age 11, and Michael Jr., age 5. When not busy on campus, she enjoys shopping, decorating, party planning, and cheering for her favorite football teams, the Dallas Cowboys and Arkansas Razorbacks. She is very active in her church and serves in various roles at the Church of the Living God Temple #4. She is also involved with community organizations such as the Junior League of Texarkana, where she is a sustaining member and past recipient of the Outstanding Teacher award. She’s the vice-president of Women for A&M Texarkana, and the president of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She loves the fact that the organizations she’s a part of not only have strong roots in the community but serve to promote education as a whole.
TASD school board members, Superintendent Dr. Becky Kesler, Assistant Superintendents Gwen Adams and Dr. Robin Hickerson, and Union Elementary staff and Student Council members participate in a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the school’s courtyard on October 18, 2017.
Lekia is the associate director of the Arkansas Association of Middle Level Educators (AAMLE) where she has also served as president, secretary, and conference chair. She stresses the challenge of engaging students through the encouragement of many along their journey, a journey she is so proud to be a part of. “The 2022-23 senior class is familiar with my level of high expectations of excellence – I was their 6th grade principal,” she says. “So, this will be our second graduation together. I look forward to hearing the students greeting me in the hallways and classroom with the familiar ‘Ms. Jones,’ ‘Ms. J,’ or ‘Momma J.’” Lekia is eager to join the amazing team at Arkansas High where such an energetic educator like herself can put her passion to work.