PRESS RELEASE

ROLLA 31 SCHOOL DISTRICT

DECEMBER 16, 2022

DR. JIM PRITCHETT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM ROLLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Rolla Board of Education accepted, with regret, the retirement of Dr. Jim Pritchett at the December 15th board meeting. Dr. Pritchett has worked in education for 32 years. He began his career in 1991 at Jefferson City High School, where he taught and coached basketball and volleyball. In 1996, Pritchett moved to Rolla where he taught computer classes and coached basketball until 2005. During that time he completed a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy and a Specialist’s Degree in Educational Leadership from St. Louis University. Pritchett then assumed the role of Administrative Intern at Rolla Middle School. In 2007, Pritchett was hired as the Principal at Mark Twain Elementary where he worked until 2012, completing his Doctorate degree in 2010 at St. Louis University. He was selected as Principal at Rolla High School in 2012 and is completing his 11th year there.

When asked to reflect on his career, Dr. Pritchett said, “I got into this profession because I enjoyed working with kids. That’s been the best part of the job for 32 years. I have been blessed to work with a wonderful group of people in my career. The folks at Jefferson City took me in as a young teacher and helped me develop. The people here in Rolla have allowed me to grow, expand my career, and have given me the opportunity to lead others. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with or a community to live in. I am forever indebted to the people of Rolla for all they’ve done for me.”

Dr. Pritchett leaves a legacy at Rolla Public Schools, having positively impacted many over the years. The search for a new RHS Principal will begin immediately, but Dr. Pritchett will continue to lead the Rolla High School team through the end of the school year.