Toriano Holloway, Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District’s assistant superintendent for federal programs and operations, is one of three candidates vying to become Hattiesburg Public School District’s next leader.
Holloway was named a finalist Tuesday by the district. Also in the mix for the job are Biloxi Public School District Assistant Superintendent Janice Johnson and Scott County School District Superintendent Tony McGee.
A community meeting with the three finalists is scheduled Sunday, and interviews with the HPSD Board of Trustees are expected to follow in executive session.
The school board hopes to have a superintendent in place by July 1, HPSD spokesperson Jas N Smith said, and could make a hire within a week of gathering input from Sunday’s session.
Holloway joined SOCSD in 2012 after serving as Harrison Central High School’s principal. He holds a master’s and doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi.
“There’s a lot of possibilities and potential for success in Hattiesburg, and that’s what caught my attention,” he said. “I see a lot of opportunities. They’re facing challenges, but I’ve never been one to shy away from challenges. I’ve always preached about constantly improving to our staff. I’m excited to speak to the community and share my background and the goals and vision I have for the district.”
SOCSD Superintendent Lewis Holloway said the district will lean on incoming Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Secondary Curriculum David Baggett and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Jody Woodrum to fill a potential gap created if Toriano Holloway is hired.
“Tori came to the school district with full intention of wanting to become a school superintendent,” Lewis Holloway said. “He’s been here for four years and has worked through the issues of consolidation. I think he’s got the skillset required to be a great superintendent.”
Interim HPSD Superintendent Greg Ladner’s term expires June 30. Smith said the school board received about 30 applications for the permanent job, whittled the list down and interviewed 10 applicants.
Interviews with the finalists were previously held, he said, and Sunday’s executive session interviews will feature a committee of community stakeholders.
HPSD has about 4,500 students enrolled this academic year, Smith said, and most recently received a C rating from the Mississippi Department of Education.
“There’s a lot of community interest in this hire, and we’re looking forward to finding out who will lead our school district,” he said.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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