There is a new principal leading the school, but he is not a new face to the Wildkat community. The recent resignation of Jonathan Smith on Jan. 27 left a vacancy, and Eric King has received the title of Interim Principal for the remainder of the year on the same day.

King has been in education for 20 years, seven of them being an assistant principal at multiple schools within Willis ISD. 

“I am beyond excited about this opportunity and am very grateful for it,” King said.

For many students, this is the first time the name has come across their mind.

“I haven’t had any major interactions with Mr. King, so I really don’t know what to expect,” senior Saoirse Gallagher said. “I have never had a time where I needed to have a conversation with him.”

Many people think that King is more familiar with the community, and thus will benefit said community.

“I think he is more familiar with the community because he has been here so long,” art teacher Amber Brumlow said.

While some students are not very familiar with the new principal, some believe that this will spark needed change within the campus.

“He is definitely going to step in during a time of need,” senior Jessica Holliday said. “We are in need of a change, and he is here to bring his ideas forward.”

King has a massive amount of experience in education, which some people think will benefit the campus and the district as a whole.

“I believe Mr. King will do a fabulous job for Willis High School and Willis ISD as a whole,” assistant principal Jenny Stone said. “He has lots of experience in education which will benefit our campus.”

With his experience, the new interim principal plans to spread the word about our growing community and leave a positive impression.

“We will certainly continue growing the Wildkat brand so that all can see what a special place this truly is,” King said.