There’s a new sheriff in town and his name is Joffre. The new Italy High School principal came to us from the James Coble Middle School in Mansfield, in which he was the Assistant Principal. Teaching two years in 5th grade and then promoted to high school teaching math.

This is Lee Joffre’s first principal position but feels ready for the job at hand, “The staff I worked with at JCMS was phenomenal. We spent 5 years working together. Through the efforts of the people I worked with we developed an environment in which students, families and employees enjoyed being a part of the campus. Although it was sad to leave my friends and co-workers, they were proud of our accomplishments that prepared me for a promotion. I stay in close contact with many of my former co-workers. They are still mentors for me and I try to continue to mentor them as well. Although Italy High School is my first principal position I feel very prepared due to my role as an assistant principal. I worked with outstanding leaders that included some of my employees as well as my supervisors.”

When asked if he had every heard of Italy, Texas before his appointment, Joffree replied, “My wife (Cassie) and I enjoy short travel trips and had come through Italy a few times prior to interviewing for the job. Each time we came we enjoyed the small town atmosphere.”

Born in Willoughby, Ohio, Lee Joffre grew up north of Lake Ponchartrain in Abita Springs, Louisiana. He attended junior high school there and moved on to Mandeville High School where he played football and baseball. “At the time the area was considered small town but the growth of New Orleans has spread and the area is much larger. After finishing high school I worked construction (hanging sheet rock) and worked at a bowling alley as a ‘pin chaser’ until I joined the Navy. I was stationed on the USS Independence CV-62 as a flight deck firefighter.”

Mr. Joffre earned his bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from UT El Paso. Later he earned his masters degree in Educational Administration and superintendent certification from UT Arlington. Actually in the education field for twelve years, Joffre is excited to begin his thirteenth year at IHS as the new principal.

First impressions are always lasting and the principal was happy to be here and explained what he thought when he arrived. “I was immediately impressed by the students and teachers of Italy HS. They are very supportive of the community and to the future of the kids in Italy. When I meet with students they often demonstrate that they want to create a legacy for the younger students coming from Stafford. The teachers are proud to work in Italy and often put in extra hours to help the students and community.”

The new principal is looking to see what this year will hold athletically and academically, “I am very excited about the activities the students are in. The students in Italy work hard to be successful. I know it is the goal of every athlete and coach to represent Italy in the playoffs. I look forward to watching them progress toward those goals. We are also excited about UIL academics. Many teachers are signed up to work extra to help Italy HS excel.” IHS will sponsor the junior high UIL contest in this upcoming school year, and “put Italy on the map academically,” Joffre said at an opening assembly before school started.

As IHS advances each year and moves forward, Mr. Joffre considered a 5 year plan for the school, “I want every student to graduate with attainable goals and the knowledge of how to reach them. I want students to have career options in agriculture, technology, human services and the option of going to college.” Changes will always happen as people accept progress. Joffre has already spoken to graduates of IHS, “They have shown a great deal of pride in their Alma Mater. I want our future graduates to feel and demonstrate the same pride as those before them. The senior class is a strong group of students. They have been a consistent and positive force at Italy HS that has demonstrated leadership on campus. I want them (Class of 2012) to know that as their principal, I look forward to seeing them achieve their goals.” Mr. Joffre also explained is was important to spend time with the students, “It is with the students that we learn the life-world of the school and the students enjoy connecting with their educators.”

With new administration on both campuses, Joffre commented on the new safety measures, “Everybody that has spoken to me has been happy with the security procedures we put in place. Parents want to know their child is safe during the school day and normally support measures to ensure safety.” The new principal also communicates with the Stafford Elementary principal on a regular basis, “It’s important for Mr. Miller and I to work together. We met the night we were announced as principals at a school board meeting. The dialogue for school improvement started that night and has continued since. We do have formal meetings to keep each other informed and to mentor one another.”

The Joffre family includes four children, three sons-Kelvin 16, Levi 4, Rowan 2 and one daughter Jenelle 14. Wife, Cassie, is from a small town outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has been teaching for 14 years and is now an English teacher in Waxahachie at the 9th grade Center. The family is excited to be apart of the Italy community. “We are in the process of buying a house in town,” Joffre said. “We have been visiting churches and we cannot wait to be involved.”

Achievement, advancement and purpose are Joffre’s middle names and clearly the students, parents and faculty will be able to see positive changes at IHS and with the administration-whether it be sports related or academia and you will find what you are looking for right here at Italy High School. “Remember, it’s time to put focus on the kids. That’s where I always end up, checking the kid’s point of view.”