Simpson County School Board approved the hiring of four new administrators.
Dr. Keri Armstrong was hired to replace Dr. George “Bo” Huffman at the Simpson County Technical Center.
Dr. Armstong comes from the Marion County Career and Technical Center. Dr. Armstong is a current CTE Counselor. She is a 1998 graduate of West Marion High School. She holds a Doctoral from (Ed.D) from William Carey University, B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, an M.S. Degree in School Counseling from William Carey University, and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Counseling from Mississippi State University. Dr. Armstrong received my certification for Educational Administration through the MAPQSL program in 2016. I have been a National Board Certified Counselor and a National Board Certified School Counselor since 2010. She began her career in education in 2004, serving first as an elementary teacher for 3 years, and then as a counselor at the high school level. Dr. Armstrong is married to her husband, Devon, and they reside in Foxworth and have two children.
Johnnie “Ben” Barnes was hired as Principal for Magee Middle School replacing Ms. Tracye Pierre. Mr. Barnes currently is principal at Carver Middle School in Covington County the past three years. Prior he was a Teacher/Coach at Taylorsville then assistant principal K-12 at Mize Attendance Center in Smith County. Mr. Barnes has also served time in the Army. He services as pastor of Rose Hill C.M.E. Church.
Ms. Shelia Copeland was hired at the new Director of Finance replacing Joanna Maddox in the District Office.
Ms Copeland currently works for Jefferson Davis County Schools as the Business Officer Manager. She has worked in finance for 27 years and served in the capacity of finance director for 23 years. Ms. Copeland started her career at Five County Child Development head start program and moved to the pubic school district in Jefferson Davis County on April 2008 until present. For the most part of her career she has been responsible for planning, developing, directing and supervising the financial management functions of an organization of school district.
Kristi Thurman was hired as the new Academic Instructional Math Coach replacing Deia Sanders at the District Office. Ms. Thurman is no stranger to Simpson County. She is presently employed with Simpson County School District as a Math Teacher at Magee high School. Ms. Thurman teaches Foundations to Algebra, Algebra I, and is the Mu Alpha Theta sponsor.
Ms Thurman is a graduate of Magee High School Class of 2001. She obtained her undergraduate studies in Mathematics and Master’s degree from William Carey University. She has taught in the Simpson County School District for over 15 years.
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