Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science is one step closer to selecting its next leader. Applications for the new executive director closed on March 11.
According to Mississippi Department of Education’s Director of Communications Jean Cook, the selection process will include a committee representing MSMS leadership and stakeholders. MDE is leading the search for the new director, and it expects to have someone in by the end of the current school year, which ends June 30.
“MDE is reviewing applications to determine which applicants meet the qualifications outlined in the job posting, and interviews are tentatively scheduled for the end of March,” MDE Public Information Officer Shanderia Minor said.
The job posting required applicants to possess a master’s degree in education, five years of experience in educational administration, a valid class AA Mississippi certification in school administration and meet the requirements for superintendent as referenced in Mississippi Code Ann. § 37-9-13. MDE listed 10 additional qualifications, among them are evidence of successful advocacy and educational programming for gifted students; experience developing partnerships with civic/community organizations, business/industry, government entities, and other stakeholders; and experience maintaining buildings and facilities to provide programs that promote safety, maximize educational utility, and comply with governmental regulations.
The position will pay $100,000 to $115,000 with benefits.
Both Cook and Minor declined to disclose how many applicants there are for executive director, as well as how many already work in Mississippi or for MSMS.
MDE appointed Rick Smith to stand in as the interim executive director, a role that officially began Jan. 1 when previous executive director Germain McConnell left MSMS to become chief of staff for the Oxford School District.
“Dr. McConnell and I worked closely throughout December, and he has continued to make himself available by phone or email if additional questions come up,” Smith said.
Smith worked 10 years for MSMS, with stints as director of admissions and advancement and director of student affairs before retiring in September 2018. MDE tapped him as interim executive director, but Smith said he did not apply for the permanent position.
“Although I was happy to accept the interim position to help MSMS through the transition between executive directors, I do not have an interest in returning from retirement,” Smith said.
Across the MSMS campus, students, staff, faculty and Smith have high expectations for the eventual appointment of the new executive director. MSMS is nationally recognized for its academic excellence, and those invested in the school’s and students’ success want a leader who understands that and will work to achieve and maintain that national reputation, Smith said.
“We are a team whose primary purpose is to do the best we can to help all our students come as close as possible to reaching their full potential,” Smith said. “These students represent the future of our communities, state, and nation; and it is up to us to challenge them, guide them, and provide the role models they need to become their best versions of themselves. I hope whoever fills this position appreciates the unique position MSMS has for being a life-changing experience for its students. Although MSMS is a public high school, it is different from most other public schools and provides its students with an experience that isn’t replicated anywhere else in the state. It is important that whoever comes into this position understands the history of MSMS and will work to continue this opportunity for excellence.”
One challenge MSMS is looking to improve upon is making sure the school can serve its full capacity of students. There are currently 100 seniors and 119 juniors at MSMS, but the capacity of the school is closer to 300. Smith said the junior class was lower than normal due to COVID-19 limiting contact with prospective students, but the average school year starts with 240 to 250 students altogether.
“The primary limiting factor is the funding we receive from the legislature, since, unlike most public schools, we receive no local funds and are not eligible for federal funding because we do not meet the definition of a local educational agency,” Smith said. “We don’t have a local school board; the State Board of Education is the board for all three special schools: MSMS, the Mississippi School for the Arts and the Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind. To increase our enrollment to 300, which is closer to the actual capacity of our buildings, we would need a larger appropriation from the legislature.”
In the meantime, Smith will continue to push the students to do their very best regardless of number. While McConnell is missed, the school must push forward and find someone who will lead the school in a positive direction.
“The main attitude (across campus) is a hope that the search will identify an executive director who understands the unique needs of MSMS and its students and staff and who will be committed to doing everything possible to enable us to continue providing the level of educational excellence that has been the hallmark of MSMS since its inception,” Smith said.
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