Meet new MBJH Principal Donald Clayton

Donald Clayton began his role as principal of Mountain Brook Junior High just a few weeks before the school year started last month.

Clayton served as assistant principal for 2012-2013 at the school under now-MBHS Principal Amanda Hood. Previously he worked for more than 10 years as a teacher, coach, athletic director and assistant principal at Oak Mountain High School.

During his tenure as assistant principal at Mountain Brook Junior High, Clayton’s areas of responsibility included all academic matters, professional development, Professional Learning Communities and strategic planning.

We asked Clayton about his passions in education and life.

What attracted you to come to MBJH, initially as assistant principal?

I was initially attracted to Mountain Brook’s reputation as a great place for students. Anyone who has been in the Birmingham area knows that Mountain Brook is known for its school system and overall community feel. I had a desire to be a part of such a place, and now that I am here, it is clear that my thoughts about Mountain Brook were correct.

How will your years as a teacher, coach and administrator inform your work as principal?

I think my wide range of experiences as a teacher, coach and administrator have helped me be involved in many different aspects of a school. We have an incredible school at MBJH with many opportunities for students, and having so many experiences in my past will certainly help me see the different needs of our students.

How can students and parents expect MBJH to change and/or continue on a trajectory from the past under your leadership?

As a school last year, we began a strategic planning process that led us to many different opportunities for our students. So many individuals within our school and community were involved in the process that we will continue on the path we determined as a school. It is a very exciting time for the JH and one that many individuals have had a hand in helping guide.

Did you ever envision yourself as a principal when you were in junior high? What would your junior high-aged self have thought of your new role?

I definitely did not envision myself as a junior high principal when I was in seventh, eighth and ninth grades. In fact, I am not really sure what I saw myself doing for a career. At that point in my life, I was simply looking forward to the next sporting event. My junior-high-aged self would probably have had his feelings hurt to know that I wasn’t a good enough athlete to play any sport professionally.

Tell us a little about your family.

I am fortunate to have a wonderful wife, Kelly, who is a stay-at-home mom. We have been married for five years and currently have one son, Carter, who will be two-and-a-half in October. We are also expecting a baby girl in mid-October, and we cannot wait to meet her! We love to do things together as a family, especially outdoors. We like to camp, kayak, hike and take just about any trip that will let us have some fun.

What is something people might not know about you?

People may not know that I am an avid tennis fan. I play some as well but never as much as I would like. I follow the professional tour pretty closely and hope to visit each Grand Slam one day. I have been to the U.S. Open, but would like to travel to the remaining three.