MADISON – A face and personality that is familiar to the students, faculty and staff of James Clemens High School is serving as the school’s Acting Principal.

Dr. Kerry Donaldson Jr. is working in the position of Acting Principal. The principalship was left vacant in December 2022 with the resignation of Dr. Brian Clayton to accept the opening for Superintendent of Hartselle City Schools.

Most recently, Donaldson has served as administrator for RISE Academy, housed at James Clemens. (The RISE acronym represents “Restore, Inspire, Support, Encourage.”)

“Dr. Donaldson is no stranger to the Jets family. He was assistant principal there before shifting to administrator of RISE,” John S. Peck said. Peck is Manager of Public Relations for Madison City Schools.

Originally from Nashville, Tenn., Kerry Donaldson has been married to Jacquelynn Donaldson for 14 years. Currently, the Donaldsons live in Athens. 2023 marks his 18th year in the field of education.

Before Donaldson worked as an administrator, he began his career at Athens Middle School as a health and physical education teacher. At Athens Middle, he coached basketball for eight years and football for four years. He also functioned as an adjunct instructor for six years at Athens State University.

For the past 10 years, Donaldson has served in school administration. His association with Madison City Schools started as a James Clemens Jet during the 2018-2019 school year. “He has been very excited to be here at RISE Academy,” Peck said.

Donaldson’s degrees and certifications began at Chattanooga State Technical Community College where he received an associate’s degree. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Athens State. Donaldson played college basketball at Chattanooga State and at Athens State.

His educational path continued at the University of North Alabama for a master’s degree in instructional leadership. Also at UNA, Donaldson completed an education specialist degree in instructional leadership. In that same discipline, he earned a doctorate’s degree at Samford University.

Madison Board of Education is accepting applications from candidates for a permanent principal at James Clemens. Interviews will start after Spring Break.

For more information and updates for the search for principal, visit madisoncity.k12.al.us.