McKinney, Texas – When Evans Middle School students return to campus to kick off the new year on Monday, Aug. 22, they’ll be greeted by a new principal—albeit one who is no stranger to that campus. From 2013 – 2015, Darla Jackson served the students and community of Evans Middle School as assistant principal. Now she returns to the campus as principal.

The position became available in June when longtime Principal Todd Young was promoted to senior director of career and technical education at Central Office.

Jackson was a natural choice to take up the mantle of leadership at Evans.

“Darla Jackson has proven to be an exceptional employee at every turn during her tenure here in McKinney ISD,” said MISD Superintendent Dr. Rick McDaniel. “She has experience in elementary and middle school as a teacher and as an administrator and has proven to have unique ideas. Her ability to lead a campus academically and culturally is a strength, and I look forward to watching her take Evans to new heights.”

Jackson began her career as an elementary classroom teacher in Arlington ISD in 1997. After two years there, she made her way to McKinney ISD where she taught at Eddins Elementary and then Cockrill Middle School from 2005 – 2013. During that time, she also served two years as the ELAR Department chair and campus instructional specialist. Jackson accepted the assistant principal job at Evans Middle School in 2013 and transferred in 2015 to her most recent position as assistant principal of McNeil Elementary.

“Darla is amazing!” said MISD Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Melinda DeFelice. “She knows good instruction, has a great rapport with the different campus staff she has worked with and is a relationship-oriented person. She is the total package and will be a true asset to Evans Middle School.”

For Jackson, the move is a sort of homecoming. She is enthusiastic about the opportunity to return to Evans and has a strong vision for the future of the campus. “I am truly blessed to be part of the Evans family again,” said Jackson. “It will be an honor to work alongside such talented and passionate educators. Together, we will accomplish many goals, such as becoming the first No Excuses University middle school in McKinney ISD and getting our AVID Demonstration School re-certification this school year.

“I’d also like to thank Mr. Young for his guidance and support during this time of transition and for his many years of service and dedication to Evans Middle School,” said Jackson.

Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Learning and Development from Texas Wesleyan University and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Lamar University.

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