RESERVE — Tabari Simon has been taught by mentors and teachers to always be ready when a goal becomes an opportunity.

He got to test that theory in October when he suddenly found himself moving from the assistant principal’s office to the principal’s office at East St. John High School.

Simon was named interim principal when principal Cory Butler moved to director of child welfare and attendance.

Even though the opportunity came out of the blue, Simon said he was prepared for the move.

“I was always taught and always told by different mentors that, if you want something, you have to prepare yourself in case that opportunity presents itself,” Simon said.

“Honestly, it was something I’ve always wanted to do and have always been trying to mentally prepare myself, just in case the opportunity came forth.”

St. John the Baptist Parish Schools Superintendent Kevin George said promoting from within was the best choice for the East St. John students.

“Choosing an interim (principal) from this current staff was the best way to go,” George said. “Mr. Simon was the person who stood out. Actually, all the assistant principals agreed he should be the person to continue leading the school. We feel it is in good hands and, of course, he and anyone else would be allowed to apply for the position once it becomes open.”

Simon, who is from Baton Rouge, attended Belaire High School where he played baseball and was a member of the symphonic band.

Although he is large and imposing, Simon was not a member of the football team.

“Don’t get me wrong, I loved it,” he said. “I just wasn’t very good at it. I could stand in the way just like anybody, but I wasn’t good at it.”

Simon went on to graduate from Xavier University in New Orleans. He began his path to principal 13 years ago as a special education teacher.

He has taught in Baton Rouge, St. James and St. John the Baptist parishes, including a stint as a special education teacher at Fifth Ward Elementary. He later was moved to assistant principal there.

He has a Master’s degree in educational administration

Last school year he was assigned to be assistant principal at East St. John. Now he is acting principal.

“It’s everything I thought it would be,” Simon said. “I have a great support team here and you know, you’re only as good as the people around you. I also still have Mr. Butler, who is available if I need anything, and Mr. George.

“They have made me feel welcome, made me feel at home and they are making it so I know I can call them at any given time to get answers.”

Conversely, at the School District’s main office, George said Butler is bringing a wealth of knowledge from previous stints in multiple parishes and time with the state education department to his new position.

“He brings a fresh attitude toward that position,” George said. “I’m looking forward to him working with all of our schools to get our culture and climate the way it needs to be at all schools. He has been an asset at that position.”