The Mississippi Department of Education has started the search for a new executive director at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science.
Former director Donnie Cook was fired in September 2023. Since then, Associate Executive Director Ginger Tedder has served as an interim replacement.
The executive director will oversee all operations, functions and activities at MSMS, according to the job ad posted on MDE’s website. The application window closes March 1.
“The ideal candidate will have the skills and confidence needed to be the face of MSMS, shouldering the responsibility of providing strategic direction and implementing a progressive vision for the future,” it reads.
MDE Public Information Officer Shanderia Minor said interviews for the position will be conducted in March. If a candidate is selected, MDE will submit a recommendation to the State Board of Education no later than the May 2024 board meeting, she told The Dispatch in an email.
Minor said there is nothing prohibiting the interim from applying if she chooses to do so. Tedder did not respond to requests for comment by press time as to whether she intended to apply.
Qualifications listed in the application include a master’s degree in education, experience in educational administration or a similar field, and a valid Mississippi certification in school administration. The application also details several areas of experience that are necessary for the position like successfully creating educational programming for gifted students, experience with school budget review and planning as well as conducting needs assessment.
Candidates interested in applying can find the application on the MDE website. Applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest, three signed recommendation letters and a curriculum vitae along with the application.
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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