Emily Hall has been named Principal of Marion High School for the 2026-27 school year, the district announced today.
Hall, most recently Principal at Marion Junior High School, takes over for Mike Skelton, who this week accepted a job as Supervisor of Career and Technical Education for Bay District Schools in Panama City, Fla.
"One of the things we take great pride in here at the Marion School District is the quality and depth of our leadership team,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion Superintendent. “Mike and Emily are both outstanding examples of that. Mike has been an exceptional leader who has served our district with distinction in a variety of roles, and while we're certainly sad to see him leave, we're also incredibly fortunate to have someone of Emily's caliber ready to step into this position. She has proved herself time and again through her leadership, dedication, and commitment to students, and we're excited to see Marion High School continue to thrive under her direction."
Hall is a Marion native, who attended school in the Marion School District from kindergarten to 12th grade, graduating as valedictorian of her senior class. After high school, she attended Ouachita Baptist University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She later added master’s and specialist degrees.
She began her educational career in Lake Hamilton, where she taught for three years before coming home to Marion. She spent nine years teaching grades 6 through 9 before moving into the role of School Improvement Specialist, and then Assistant Principal, at Marion High School. In 2023, she became the inaugural principal at the Marion Seventh Grade Academy, helping shepherd that school’s move from being a part of MJHS to becoming a separate school. For the past year, she has been principal at Marion Junior High School.
"I am incredibly honored by the opportunity to serve as principal of Marion High School," Hall said. "As a Marion graduate who has had the privilege of serving at all three of our secondary campuses, this truly feels like coming home. Every step of my journey has prepared me for this opportunity, and I'm excited to return to MHS to work alongside our outstanding students, staff, and families."
"I owe so much to MHS," Hall continued. "I had my first teaching experience here as a substitute teacher, and it was an MHS teacher who first encouraged me to pursue a career in education. I even met my husband in the old parking lot where the MPAC stands today. Marion High School has played such an important role in my life, and I'm excited to build on its strong tradition of excellence while helping prepare the next generation of Patriots for whatever comes next."
Skelton's departure caps a strong four-year tenure with Marion, in which he served as both MHS principal and assistant superintendent for maintenance and facilities. A native of Kennett, Mo., and a graduate of Arkansas State University, Skelton has built a distinguished career in public education, beginning as a teacher and coach in the West Memphis School District. He later served in administrative roles in the Pocahontas, Paragould, and Jonesboro school districts before becoming Superintendent in Benton.
"It has truly been a blessing to have someone of Mike's caliber serving our district," Fenter said. "We have always believed our students deserve the very best educators and leaders we can hire, and Mike has been a shining example of that philosophy. We are thankful for the leadership and expertise he has shared with our district, and we wish him continued success in Florida.”
The role with Bay District Schools will allow Skelton to devote more of his time to career and technical education, an area that has long been important to him. Bay District Schools is a district of more than 27,000 students with six high schools.
“I'll always be grateful for my time at Marion High School and the opportunity to serve this incredible community,” Skelton said. “The relationships I've built here will stay with me, and I know the school is in great hands as it continues moving forward.”
Hall's move to MHS creates an opening for at MJHS, and the district will begin its search for the next principal immediately. Consistent with its commitment to strong leadership at every campus, Marion expects to fill the position with an exceptional educational leader.
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district that ensures an equitable, engaging learning community where every student is empowered to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, a seventh grade academy, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.