Superintendent Morton Sherman has tapped Jason Sutton, former assistant principal at the T.C. Williams Minnie Howard campus, as the new Francis Hammond 2 Middle School principal. 

Sutton, who served in the Army and National Guard before becoming an educator, was named as the top finalist for the Francis Hammond position earlier this month. He is taking over for outgoing principal Arthur Williams. 

Sherman praised Sutton, calling him a dedicated and trustworthy leader within the school district. 

His strong commitment to the development of students and staff, and to providing a safe, stimulating and motivating learning environment make him a valuable addition to the Hammond leadership team, Sherman said in a statement.

After serving in the military, Sutton did a stint as a correctional officer at Hampton Roads Regional Jail and became a special needs teacher at Accotink Academy in Springfield. He continued to teach special needs at Minnie Howard before serving as a resource teacher and eventually earning the assistant principal spot. 

Sutton isnt the only new principal in Alexandria. Former George Washington 1 Middle School assistant principal Rosalyn Rice-Harris was given the top job at Jefferson Houston School in July. Grace Taylor, former Minnie Howard principal, took over the reins at John Adams Elementary School in June.