CARROLLTON — Steven Harrell says he was happy in his former job as headmaster at Central Hinds Academy when he got a call asking him to meet with the board at Carroll Academy.
Harrell, 41, had been at Central Hinds for nine years and wasn’t planning to leave. However, he was contacted by Carroll’s previous headmaster, Curt McCain, who left after one year to become principal at New Summit School in Jackson.
“When I left, I knew God had set this up. I was meant to be here,” he said.
Harrell said he was raised in Madison “before it got so fancy” and is “a country boy at heart.”
He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1996 with a degree in forestry, wildlife and fisheries, but he later had a change in direction he believes is God-directed. He went into teaching and coaching and started his career at Canton Academy, where he spent three years. Then he worked for three years at Canton High School, where he taught chemistry.
Harrell earned a master’s degree in leadership administration at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2004. He then went to Canton Academy as headmaster, where he worked with McCain, who was principal.
Harrell has big ideas for CA, which include lining up curriculum to offer more continuity from one grade to the next and offering seniors college credits in English composition, algebra, trigonometry and psychology.
He hopes to improve test scores and work on accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. CA is now accredited through the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools.
“We have the highest MAIS accreditation now, but with SACS, students would be able to more easily go to out-of-state schools,” Harrell said.
Harrell also wants to emphasize Christian values in the school. “I want people in the community to understand what we’re about, the image and objectives,” he said.
The new headmaster plans to improve technology at Carroll, adding SMART Boards to elementary classrooms and helping students prepare for computer usage they will need in college. “We’ll also use computer testing beginning in third grade for achievement tests,” he said.
When he isn’t working, Harrell enjoys outdoor activities with family – hunting, fishing and camping. He and his family live in Gluckstadt, where his wife teaches elementary music. She has a master’s degree in music.
The Harrells have three children and attend Highland Colony Baptist Church.
Harrell said he plans to remain in Gluckstadt for the present, as he is an only child and wants to be near his mother, since his father passed away earlier this year. He said he doesn’t mind the drive, which takes him about an hour.
Other new personnel at CA include Ted Ferretti, who replaces Neil Turner as athletic director; Jamie Ferretti, middle school science, history and assistant with softball; Valerie Kerwin, first-grade teacher; and Julia Beckwith in the part-time position of director of college admissions.
Beckwith formerly worked as counselor in the Winona Public Schools. She will work with students on college preparation, including scholarships, financial aid and testing.
