(Middlefield, OH) - At the June 9th, 2025 Board of Education meeting, Jim Henson was approved as the new Junior and Senior High School principal.
“I chose Cardinal because of the people. I know several people who work at Cardinal or live in the community,” said Henson.
“I'm looking forward to working with Mr. Henson for years to come,” said Jimmy Soltis. “He is a great addition to our leadership team and fits right in here at Cardinal.”
Before his new position, he was the principal at Bloomfield High School. He was on staff for four years. His high school and college years were spent at Grand Valley High School and St. Joseph’s College in Indiana, where he also played football for the Pumas. He received his Master’s degree from Ashland University and subsequently obtained his Principal Certification from Youngstown State University.
Earlier in his career, he spent time at LaMuth Middle School as a 7th-grade math and science teacher for Riverside Local Schools. He also worked as a biology teacher at Jefferson Area Schools for over 15 years. He also served as head coach of the Falcons football team, earning Northeastern Conference Coach of the Year honors, as well as Ashtabula County Coach of the Year in 2005, 2011, and 2014. He has coached for other schools, including Painesville Riverside and NDCL.
“I also spent many years coaching football, including at Tiffin University, Ashland University, West Liberty University in West Virginia, St. Joseph’s College, and Mercyhurst University,” said Henson.
Leading young men and women has been in Jim’s family. His Uncle Tom and father Jim Henson both taught at Cardinal High School in the early 1970s. Tom spent his first five years of his decorated athletic coaching career with the Cardinal Huskies before leaving his legacy at Grand Valley Local Schools. He was an assistant coach on the football team, worked with the younger athletes who played basketball, and even spent a short time with the golf team.
When asked what he enjoys most about the education field, he talked about the progress he sees from his students.
“I thoroughly enjoy seeing the students grow and reach their personal goals,” he said. “To begin with, my short-term goal is to learn how the day-to-day operations work at the high school. My long-term goal is to build on the strengths of the school and help improve areas that need refinement.”
In Jim’s free time, he prioritizes quality time spent with his family. He and his wife, Becky, have been married for 26 years. She is an IST at Grand Valley Local Schools. They share three children: two sons, JJ and Nate, and one daughter, Caroline. They often spend their time together on Lake Erie, fishing. It was just this past summer that Caroline caught her first Walleye, and Jim was there to celebrate with her. He also enjoys hunting - more specifically, turkey and deer.
He also spends a lot of his time as a track and field events official. Covering high school and even college events. The NCAA Division III National Championships, the NCAC Championship at Oberlin College, and even the Jesse Owens Track and Field Classic at The Ohio State University, to name a few. A lot of his events are also held at Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio. His son, JJ, was inducted into the Ashtabula County Hall of Fame for Track and Field and also Cross Country in 2023.
Jim’s journey as a Huskie officially began on August 1st. He has already supported many groups this summer. Attending the Band Camp preview show, the Back-to-School Bash, and many more. Later this month, Jim will get a chance to meet the majority of the student body when they attend orientation and open house.
We’re thrilled to welcome Mr. Henson to the Cardinal team,” said Jack Cunningham, Cardinal Local School District’s superintendent. “With his extensive experience and proven track record, we’re confident that he will make a strong impact with our students, staff, and community. We look forward to working together as we continue to grow, innovate, and move our district forward!”