Rooted in Jarrell

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

Josh Curtis Takes the Helm at Jarrell's New Middle School

Jarrell Ranch Middle School will open its doors this August with veteran educator Josh Curtis at the helm, marking a major milestone for Jarrell ISD as the district keeps pace with the city’s rapid growth.

Principal Curtis brings nearly two decades of experience in education to the role, including time as a middle school principal in Liberty Hill ISD and as an assistant principal at Jarrell Middle School. “My time as assistant principal was great because I got to know the students and staff. I was able to build those relationships and got to know what certain students and staff need to be successful.” His journey to Jarrell ISD was inspired by Superintendent Dr. Toni Hicks’ student-centered leadership style. “I knew Jarrell ISD had a strong team committed to student success,” he says.

A former college football player at McMurry University in Abilene, Principal Curtis first entered the education world through coaching, before taking on multiple roles at small-town Texas schools in Flatonia and Louise ISDs.

“At one point I was the dean of students, offensive coordinator, head track coach, and drove the special education bus,” he recalls with a laugh.

Throughout his career, he adds, his motivation has come not just from a love of education, but from a desire to set an example at home. “I’m the first in my family to graduate college. I want my kids to know they can do it too.”

CREATING A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE

Jarrell Ranch Middle School will launch this fall with an anticipated enrollment of about 500 students and a team of 50 staff members. While the building might be brand new, Principal Curtis is quick to point out that the most important work will happen inside its classrooms and hallways. “The first year is about establishing a culture and I want ours to be about excellence, family, and innovation. I’m most excited about building that culture at Jarrell Ranch Middle School.” That means creating a space where students and teachers feel supported and inspired—and where learning doesn’t stop at math and science. “There’s a lot more to education than teaching the four core subjects,” Principal Curtis says. “We want to build students who are equipped with the tools to be great members of society.”

He’s also honest about the role of mistakes in the learning process: “We’re not expecting every kid to be perfect. We expect them to be the best they can be that day. We never learn if we don’t make mistakes. Our job is to figure out why they were made and how to not make those again.”

ONE DISTRICT, ONE COMMUNITY

With Jarrell ranked among the fastest-growing cities in Texas, Principal Curtis sees the opening of Jarrell Ranch Middle School as an essential part of keeping students on track. “As we grow, we have to be proactive. We never want to wait until a building is overpopulated to make changes.” The new campus is expected to help lower teacher-to-student ratios and provide more space, but Principal Curtis says the heart of the district remains unified. “The big thing is, as Jarrell continues to grow, we’re all still Jarrell. It doesn’t matter which campus you’re at, you’re still a Cougar.”

That spirit will carry into the classroom, with consistent curriculum and shared goals across both middle schools— even as individual teachers bring their own styles to the instruction.

BEYOND THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

When he’s not on campus, Principal Curtis is usually on the go. With two children entering high school and one starting sixth grade this fall, he is typically ferrying them between their many activities. “If I’m not at work, I’m usually in the car driving them to a sports practice,” he jokes. He and his wife Nicole also enjoy spending time outdoors and cheering on the Texas Longhorns at UT games.

Jarrell Ranch Middle School families can keep up with news and updates by following the school’s Facebook and Instagram pages.