Jackson-Madison County Schools Superintendent Marlon King announced 12 new principal assignments last week in a release sent out on May 21.
He waited until after graduations were complete before making the announcement to not take away from the celebration of the Class of 2024 on their way out the door to their next chapters in life.
Two principal retirements – Carolyn Caldwell at Alexander Elementary and Anita Tucker at South Side – were the first two moves that necessitated the shifts.
Once those replacement decisions were made, King explained in his statement that his observation in leadership styles led him to make a few more changes.
“As we enter our fifth year together, I’ve had the opportunity to observe various leadership styles, prompting me to make strategic adjustments among principals to build upon our current successes,” King said. “Each year, I allow leaders to express their aspirations. Consequently, I adjust to accommodate their requests while encouraging others to explore new avenues.
“These changes aim to empower principals to leverage their unique leadership strengths.”
Kenton Evans is the new principal at Alexander, while Shari Baldwin will be the principal leading South Side.
Other new principal assignments include Josie Currie moving from JASA to Arlington, Shannon Davis becoming the new principal at Denmark, Jeannette Coleman at East, Janet Gore at Isaac Lane, Michael Morris will be the new principal at JASA, Amanda Brabham at JCM Middle, LaDonna Braswell leading Liberty, Shemon Reaves moves from Arlington to North Parkway, Kimberly Quinn moves from Denmark to Northeast Middle, and Donald Hornbuckle moves from Liberty to Parkview Prep.
In addition to the principal assignments, he also announced a change in role and expansion on his executive leadership team, which consists of deputy superintendents Ricky Catlett and Vivian Williams and chief of staff Melissa Spurgeon. Diane Hicks-Watkins, the head of human resources for the district, has been named chief business officer.
King honored
The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents announced its regional winners for their Superintendent of the Year awards.
JMCSS’ Marlon King was honored as the Southwest Superintendent of the Year.
Teacher of the Year
JMCSS awarded its annual awards at the end of the school year.
East Elementary’s Ann Thompkins was honored as the District’s Teacher of the Year last week.
Because of her win, her classroom and her school at East each received $1,000 from the Community Foundation of West Tennessee.