Bell appointed Velma Jackson principal

Madison County Schools announced this week that Brendon Bell will serve as the next principal of Velma Jackson High School. 

Bell comes to the position with nearly 13 years of experience in education as a coach, teacher, and administrator.

“I am excited for the opportunity to join the Falcon family and to continue to build and grow on Velma Jackson’s solid foundation in academics, athletics, and the arts,” Bell said. “I am really looking forward to getting to know the students, faculty, parents, and community and building those relationships.”

Bell brings unique experience to the role of high school principal, having spent nearly a decade in law enforcement before beginning a career in education. Bell was sworn in as a Jackson Police Officer in 2001, where he served first as a patrolman and later as a detective. He also has experience working in the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Unit.

Bell comes to Velma Jackson from Madison County Schools’ Academic Options Center, where he has served as principal since 2018. Prior to that role, he worked as an assistant principal at Old Town Middle School. He also has experience teaching and coaching at Northwest Rankin High School and in Jackson Public Schools, including coaching the Cardozo Middle School football team to a city championship in 2012.

“Mr. Bell has distinguished himself as an educator who truly cares for students, both in and out of the classroom. We are delighted for him to take on this new role and bring his knowledge, skills, and talents to Velma Jackson,” said Superintendent Charlotte Seals.