Latest News

Nailor Named Principal of Ridgeland High School

Madison County Schools is proud to announce Mr. Preston Nailor as the next principal of Ridgeland High School. Nailor brings to this role more than twenty years of experience in the education field as a teacher, coach, and administrator, most recently serving as the assistant principal of Velma Jackson High School. 

 

“Mr. Nailor’s demonstrated leadership and strong work ethic make him the perfect fit to lead the Ridgeland Titans to continued success,” says Madison County Schools Superintendent Ted Poore.

 

A highly decorated coach and administrator, Nailor was recognized in 2022 as Athletic Administrator of the Year by the Mississippi Association of Athletic Administrators while serving as athletics and activities director at the Vicksburg Warren School District. Prior to this honor he was elected to the legislative council for the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) in 2021 and served as president for District 6 of the MHSAA in 2019. He was named the Administrator of the Year in the Vicksburg Warren School District in 2016, and in 2014 was he named Teacher of the Year at Florence High School. A two-time State Championship soccer coach, Nailor was awarded MHSAA Soccer Coach of the Year after leading the Ridgeland Titans boys team to a win in the 2010 5A State Championship.

 

 “I am excited to be a part of the Titan family again. I look forward to working with the staff to continue to develop minds and drive success,” said Nailor.

 

Nailor earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Delta State University and both a Master of Teaching Arts and Educational Specialist from Mississippi College. He will begin his new role at Madison County Schools in July.

Chase Named Director of Middle School Services and Assistant Director of Federal Programs

Madison County Schools is pleased to announce Mrs. Crystal Chase as Director of Middle School Services and Assistant Director of Federal Programs. Mrs. Chase comes to this role with more than two decades of celebrated experience in Madison County Schools as a teacher, assistant principal, and lead principal of two campuses: Old Town Middle School and Ridgeland High School. Through these varied leadership roles, Mrs. Chase has firsthand experience with the positive impact of federal programs, and she is well equipped to support and serve middle schools throughout the district. Madison County Schools is home to four middle school campuses: Germantown Middle School, Madison Middle School, Old Town Middle School, and Shirley D. Simmons Middle School.

 

“What excites me about this position is the opportunity to serve in a capacity that allows me the chance to help fulfill the mission of MCS with multiple stakeholders,” says Chase, “I am excited to be able to motivate and assist middle school administrators. I am also eager to be a resource to teachers so that they can best educate our students. The opportunity to help our students to see the importance of graduating and to support them through our dropout prevention plan to stay the course until that happens is what I'm looking forward to the most.” 

 

As an educational leader, Chase has shared her knowledge via numerous professional development trainings and conference presentations and has received top recognition for her work. In 2018, she was named the Mississippi Association of Secondary School Principals’ Middle School Principal of the Year and in 2019 was recognized as Madison County Schools’ District Administrator of the Year while principal of Old Town Middle School. As principal of Ridgeland High School she was named Mississippi College's 2024 Mississippi Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE) Outstanding Administrator of the Year.

 

“Mrs. Chase is an exemplary school leader with the experience and drive to support middle school administrators as well as faculty, staff, and students throughout the district. Her dedication, knowledge, and enthusiasm make her a perfect fit for the office of federal programs in its important work to provide resources in support of student success,” says Madison County Schools Superintendent Ted Poore.

 

Mrs. Chase is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi College, and she is an active member of her church community where she serves as a Sunday school teacher and directs the ministry of music. She and her husband are proud parents to three sons, one of whom is a graduate of Ridgeland High School. Mrs. Chase will begin her new role in Madison County Schools in July. 

Adams Named Principal of Madison Middle School

Madison County Schools proudly announces the selection of Mr. Thomas Adams as the

next principal of Madison Middle School. Mr. Adams currently serves the district as principal of Shirley D. Simmons Middle School, prior to which he served as principal of the Madison County Schools Academic Options Center. Mr. Adams is well known at Madison Middle School, having been the assistant principal for eighth grade before becoming a lead principal in the district.

 

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve the students and staff at Madison Middle School. One of my core values in leadership is ensuring each student feels safe and supported. I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside an amazing group of educators who share this sentiment,” says Adams.

 

“Mr. Adams is an outstanding leader with a solid track record of bringing out the very best in faculty, staff, and students. We know his commitment to excellence will be a perfect fit for the Madison Middle community,” says MCS Superintendent Ted Poore. Madison Middle School is currently ranked number one in the state for top academic performance on state accountability testing.

 

Since becoming principal at Shirley D. Simmons Middle School in 2022, Mr. Adams has led the school to its highest scores on state accountability tests for two years in a row, culminating in the school’s first ever A rating in 2024. Adams was named Madison County Schools Administrator of the Year for 2023-2024.

 

Mr. Adams began his career in education two decades ago in the Columbus Municipal School District as a teacher, coach, and administrator prior to joining Madison County Schools. A dedicated academic and lifelong learner, Mr. Adams has completed the PREPS Phil Hardin CEO Leadership Academy, the Millsaps Principals Institute, and served as a member of the 2023 Madison County Executive Leadership Cohort. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 2003 from Millsaps College and master’s degree in 2007 from Mississippi College. In 2024 he was inducted into the Millsaps College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024 for basketball. 

 

He will begin his new role at Madison Middle School in July.

Brewer Named Assistant Superintendent

Madison County Schools is proud to announce Dr. Kim Brewer will serve as an assistant superintendent for the district. Dr. Brewer brings 28 years of distinguished experience to the position, including work in instructional and administrative positions in both elementary and secondary schools as a teacher, intervention strategist, lead principal, and director. Seventeen years of her career have been spent in Madison County Schools, including service as lead principal at Madison Avenue Elementary and Rosa Scott School. She currently works as director of elementary services, where she serves all four zones in the district.

 

“It is a true privilege to step into the role of assistant superintendent. I am eager to apply my experience and strengths to help advance the success of our outstanding district. I look forward to partnering with our schools and communities in meaningful ways and supporting our district’s mission to continually ‘Move the Mark!’,” says Dr. Brewer.

 

“Dr. Brewer knows Madison County Schools inside and out, having served our district well in a wide range of capacities.  She brings a wealth of knowledge to the role of assistant superintendent, as well as a deep commitment to our students, faculty, and community. We know our district will benefit greatly from her leadership,” says Madison County Schools Superintendent Ted Poore. 

 

From receiving the Rookie Teacher of the Year award early in her career to Madison County Schools Administrator of the Year in 2016, Dr. Brewer is committed to professional growth. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Master of Education Degree from the University of West Florida.  She earned her Specialist Degree and Doctor of Education Degree from William Carey University. Over the course of her career, she has served as a principal mentor for the Ole Miss Principal Corps, graduated from the Prospective Superintendent Leadership Academy, received the Distinguished Principal Award, served as a member of the State Superintendent of Education Principal Advisory Council, and coordinated the mentor program for Madison County Schools’ National Board Certified Teachers. Dr. Brewer and her husband, Sean, have three children: Abney and Macey, both graduates of Madison County Schools, and Hayden who is a current student. 

 

Dr. Brewer will begin serving in her new role this July.

Lyall Named Principal of Highland Elementary School  

Madison County Schools is pleased to announce Mrs. Carrie Lyall as principal of Highland Elementary School. Lyall currently serves the district as an assistant principal at Old Town Middle School, also in the Titan Zone of Madison County Schools. 

 

Lyall’s career in education includes many roles, from working as a classroom teacher to serving as an assessment and curriculum specialist for grades three through eight across the state. She was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year in Rankin County in 2010 and Madison Station Teacher of the Year in 2016. Lyall served as an original Super Group member with the Mississippi Department of Education in the development of the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) which is administered yearly to students across the state. She has also worked as an Instructional Specialist and State Testing Coordinator for Highland Elementary School, which serves grades three through five in Ridgeland, where she will return to serve as principal in July.

 

“I am thrilled to return to Highland Elementary as lead principal and to once again be part of a school that holds such a special place in my heart. For many years, I’ve been committed to the success of the Titan Zone, and I’m honored to continue that commitment by celebrating diversity while serving the families, students, and staff of Highland,” said Lyall. 

 

“Mrs. Lyall is a dedicated educator and administrator. She cares deeply for the students and faculty in the Titan Zone, and we know Highland will continue to flourish under her leadership,” said Madison County Schools Superintendent Ted Poore. 

 

Lyall earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Master of Education from Mississippi College where she was recognized as the Education Honor Student of the Year. She later earned her Specialist in Educational Leadership from William Carey University. Lyall is the proud mother of three sons who are all graduates of Madison County Schools.

 

Burton Named Principal of Shirley D. Simmons Middle School

Madison County Schools is pleased to announce Felicia Burton as principal of Shirley D. Simmons Middle School. Burton comes to this role with 30 years of experience as an administrator, teacher, and coach. Burton has two decades of experience in the classroom teaching English and coaching basketball at Forest High School, McLaurin Attendance Center, Northwest Rankin High School, and Clinton High School where she won a State Championship and was named Metro Coach of the Year. She has served as an administrator for the last ten years, including three years as an assistant principal at Clinton Junior High School and most recently seven years as an assistant principal at Ridgeland High School.

 

“I’m truly excited about the opportunity to build on the success and momentum that has been built at Shirley D. Simmons Middle School. I look forward to serving the students, working with the staff, and taking Shirley Simmons to even greater heights. I’m thrilled about the possibilities!” said Burton.

 

“Mrs. Burton is a dedicated educator with a solid track record of bringing out the best in faculty and students alike. We are confident she will continue the excellent progress at Shirley Simmons Middle School which earned an A rating this past year,” said Madison County Schools Superintendent Ted Poore. 

 

Burton is a graduate of Millsaps College, where she is a member of the Sports Hall of Fame, and Mississippi College. She is an active member of her church where she currently serves as chair of the Leadership Board among many other roles. She and her husband Quincy have one daughter and two grandchildren.

Bouchillon Named Principal of the Academic Options Center

Madison County Schools is pleased to announce Mr. Danny Bouchillon as principal of the Academic Options Center (AOC). Bouchillon is a veteran educator in Madison County Schools, with twenty years as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal in the district. He has worked at schools in three of the four zones of Madison County Schools, including Velma Jackson High School, Germantown Middle School, and Madison Avenue Upper Elementary. Most recently, he has served as assistant principal at Madison Avenue Elementary. 

 

“I am very appreciative of the opportunity that Mr. Poore and Madison County have given me to lead the Academic Options Center.  I look forward to serving and working with the staff, students, and parents.  I cannot wait to start pouring into these kids and helping them grow and be successful!” says Bouchillon.

 

The Academic Options Center serves as the alternative school for students across all Madison County Schools campuses.  “Mr. Bouchillon has served our district in every division from elementary through high school, making him uniquely prepared to lead the AOC. We know his heart for service and dedication to student success will help students make positive changes in their lives here at school and beyond,” says Superintendent Ted Poore.

 

After attending Hinds Community College and graduating from Belhaven University, Bouchillon earned a Master of Social Studies Education from Mississippi College and later a Master of Educational Leadership from Jackson State University. 

 

He and his wife Lindsay, the sixth-grade counselor at Madison Middle School, have been married for 18 years. They have two sons: Brady, a tenth-grade student at Madison Central High School, and Anderson, a first-grade student at Madison Avenue Elementary.

 

Bouchillon begins his new role as principal this summer. 

Jones Named Principal of Madison Central High School

Madison County Schools is proud to announce Dr. Doug Jones as the next principal of Madison Central High School. Dr. Jones is a familiar face in the Jaguar Zone, where he currently serves as principal of Madison Middle School. 

 

“I have been personally and professionally invested in the Jaguar Zone for many years, and I am excited about continuing the important work of serving our faculty, students, and community here in Madison,” says Dr. Jones, “It has been an honor working alongside the outstanding faculty at Madison Middle School as they prepare students so well for high school. I have watched the teachers of Madison Central take these students to the next level of excellence in academics, arts, and athletics, preparing them for every opportunity beyond graduation. I look forward to joining the faculty, staff, and students in continuing and building upon the tradition of excellence for which Madison Central is so well known.

 

“Dr. Jones has led Madison Middle School to its current ranking as the top performing middle school in the state. He has proven himself to be an excellent leader, and we know he will bring his enthusiasm and dedication to his new position at Madison Central High School,” says Madison County Schools Superintendent Ted Poore.

 

Madison Central has a strong track record of performance in every arena from academics to extracurricular activities. Currently, 139 members of the student body have scored 30 or above on the ACT, and the Class of 2025 boasts 16 National Merit Semifinalists and 12 Commended Scholars. Madison Central has won numerous state championships in athletics, and the band consistently receives All-Superior ratings. The MCHS choirs, show choir program, and debate team also bring home top honors. Madison Central is home to two academy programs, including the award-winning model Academy of Engineering and Academy of Multimedia Communications.

 

Dr. Jones is a lifelong learner, having earned numerous advanced degrees throughout his career, culminating in his Ed.D in Educational Leadership in 2018. He began working as an educator in 2006 and has served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal. Dr. Jones and his wife Hallie are proud parents to two Jaguar students, Bryce and Charlie. He will begin serving as principal of Madison Central this summer.  

Madison County Schools is proud to announce Dr. Teague Burchfield as the next Director of High School Services. Dr. Burchfield currently serves the district as lead principal of Madison Central High School.

 

Throughout his more than 20-year career in education, Dr. Burchfield has distinguished himself as a leader, earning the Rankin County School District’s Secondary Administrator of the Year award in 2022 as principal of Pelahatchie High School. He was awarded Madison County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year in 2015 for his work at Ridgeland High School. 

 

“I am excited about the opportunities the Director of High School Services role presents. It’s a chance to make a meaningful difference across the district as I serve alongside the outstanding high schools in each zone," says Dr. Burchfield.

 

“Dr. Burchfield is an excellent administrator. Having served as principal and assistant principal in two of our high schools, he knows firsthand what our school-level administrators and teachers need to be successful. We know he will provide tremendous support to all our high school campuses,” says Madison County Schools Superintendent Ted Poore. 

 

Madison County Schools high school campuses include Germantown High School, Madison Central High School, Ridgeland High School, Rosa Scott School, and Velma Jackson High School. In addition to high school services, in his new role Dr. Burchfield will oversee extracurricular activities and Title IX compliance.

 

Dr. Burchfield earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi College, followed by a master’s in education and Doctorate of Philosophy in Education Administration, both from the University of Southern Mississippi.  He and his wife Robyn have two children, Phillip and Ellyn. Dr. Burchfield will begin serving as Director of High School Services in July.

The Board of Education of Madison County is pleased to announce Mr. Austin Brown will serve as Deputy Superintendent for the 2025-2026 school year. Mr. Brown currently serves as an Assistant Superintendent in the district.

 

“Mr. Brown knows this district inside and out, and his steady leadership and tireless commitment are tremendous assets for building upon the excellence we know and expect from Madison County Schools. During his more than two decades serving our district, Mr. Brown has shown that he is an outstanding educational leader and is truly dedicated to the teachers and students of Madison County,” said Board of Education President Mr. Ken McCoy.

 

Mr. Brown began his distinguished career in education in 2001 as a teacher at Madison Central High School. He moved into leadership in 2006 as an assistant principal and later as principal. He was recognized in 2016 as High School Principal of the Year by both the Mississippi Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) and the Mississippi Association of School Administrators (MASA). The following year he was honored as High School Principal of the Year by the Mississippi Speech and Debate Association and went on to be named National High School Principal of the Year by the National Speech and Debate Association. While a principal, Mr. Brown was also entrusted with leadership roles off campus, serving a term as the state coordinator for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and as a board member for MASSP. Following seven years as a lead principal, Mr. Brown transitioned to the district office in 2018, working in the roles of data analyst, coordinator of alternative education, and director of secondary services before becoming an assistant superintendent in 2023. 

 

“I am very pleased with our School Board’s selection of Austin Brown as our deputy superintendent. Because of Austin’s proven track record in educational leadership right here in Madison County Schools, he brings instant credibility and instills confidence in the deputy superintendent role. I look forward to working even more closely with him as we continue to move the mark of excellence,” said Superintendent Ted Poore.

 

“I look forward to a seamless transition into this new role, and I am humbled that the School Board and Superintendent Poore have the confidence in me to serve the district in this capacity,” said Brown.

 

As a leader in the education profession, Mr. Brown has spoken at numerous conferences, attended the Harvard Principals Institute, and completed the Mississippi School Board Association Prospective Superintendent Leadership Academy. Mr. Brown earned his Specialist in Instructional Leadership from William Carey University, following a Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College. 

 

Mr. Brown and his wife Brook are active members of Madison Methodist Church and have been married for 23 years. Their children, Noah and Anna Catherine, are both students in Madison County Schools. 

 

Mr. Brown will begin serving in his new role on July 1, 2025.

Madison County Schools is pleased to announce Dr. Falana Burks as Director of English Learners. Dr. Burks is well positioned to take on this newly created role: she currently coordinates the district’s English as a second language program among other duties as assistant director of federal programs. Over the course of her career Dr. Burks has served as a teacher, curriculum and instruction specialist, assistant principal, and principal in Madison County Schools, where she is also a graduate. 

 

“I am very honored to serve as the Director of English Learners. Madison County Schools is where I received my formal education. The education of all our students is personal for me and it is my desire to continue a tradition of excellence. Our English Learners are a population of students that continues to grow. I am excited to work with our educators to provide a wonderful educational experience full of academic growth for these students,” says Dr. Burks.

 

Madison County Schools currently serves 1,100 English Learners who come from families speaking more than 30 different languages. The English Learner program provides instruction and support enabling students to become fully proficient in English. 

 

“Dr. Burks will have such a positive impact as the Director of English Learners. She is knowledgeable, dedicated, and passionate about providing opportunities for every student to learn English and to succeed in school and beyond. This new role will allow her to focus completely on leading the English Learner program in our schools,” says Madison County Schools Superintendent Ted Poore.

 

Dr. Burks earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Jackson State University, where she had previously earned a master’s in educational administration. Dr. Burks holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Rust College. She has participated in numerous prestigious institutes for educators including the Data Wise Principals Institute at Harvard University and the Millsaps College Principals Institute. She also currently serves as an adjunct professor of education at Tougaloo College. Dr. Burks and her husband Patrick have two children: Khalil Burks and Kennedy Lampley, who is a graduate of Germantown High School. 

 

Dr. Burks will begin her new role on July 1.

 

Madison County Schools is pleased to announce Dr. Bill Hardin as Director of Career and Technical Education. Dr. Hardin brings to the position two decades of experience in education as a classroom teacher, instructional specialist, and administrator. Most recently he has served as Director of Career-Technical Education in the Clinton Public School District.

 

“I’m excited about the opportunity [in Madison County Schools] to promote a culture and environment where kids cultivate their passion and what they are interested in and hopefully leave high school with a skill to take to the workplace,” says Hardin.

 

 “Dr. Hardin brings with him a wealth of experience in administration and career and technical education. He will do a tremendous job to develop and grow our career programs throughout the district and at MCTC,” says Madison County Schools Superintendent Ted Poore.

 

As Director of Career and Technical Education, Dr. Hardin will oversee the career and technical programs offered at the Madison Career and Technical Center (MCTC) to high school students from across Madison County Schools as well as the career and technical education (CTE) academy programs housed at each high school campus in the district. Academy programs include engineering, healthcare science, multimedia video production, and culinary arts. Students at Germantown High School, Madison Central High School, Ridgeland High School, and Velma Jackson High School can also enroll in classes during the school day at MCTC in addition to the academic courses offered at each student’s home campus. Madison County Schools CTE classes prepare and test students for professional certifications enabling them to be nursing assistants, pharmacy technicians, graphic designers, construction technology specialists, automobile technicians, and more. 

 

“I think that our biggest goal in high school CTE is to give students exposure to what possibilities are out there for their future,” says Dr. Hardin.

Dr. Hardin earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi and his Education Specialist degree from Mississippi College. In addition, Mr. Hardin received a Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He and his wife Angie have been married for twenty years and have two grown children. 

Dr. Hardin will begin his new role on June 1.

Dr. Marsha Peoples, principal of East Flora Elementary School, is the 2025 Mississippi Administrator of the Year. This highest honor in the state for a school administrator was presented Friday by the Mississippi Department of Education.

 

In an address to the crowd of school administrators from across the state, Dr. Peoples thanked her family, her mentors, and the people of the East Flora Elementary community for coming together for the success of the school. Dr. Peoples was named principal of East Flora Elementary in 2022, and under her leadership the school earned its first ever A-rating in 2024.

 

“East Flora! We did it!” she said. “This achievement would not be possible without the support of the dynamic staff of East Flora Elementary School. We knew that our goal of achieving a legendary A-rating was attainable and we did just that. Teachers, support staff, students and parents locked into our goal and went to work. And guess what? Our work worked! From our bus drivers, maintenance and cafeteria staff to our front office, specialists, and teachers: you all deserve a seat at this table. To my East Flora students: thank you for showing up willing to learn and give your best effort each day.”

 

During her 18-year career in education, Dr. Peoples has served as a teacher, literacy specialist, and assistant principal. While a teacher in JPS at John Hopkins Elementary School she was selected as the 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year. Dr. Peoples is a lifelong learner, having most recently earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College in 2020. 

 

At the awards ceremony Friday, Dr. Peoples spoke on her Administrator of the Year platform: the importance of funding. “The promise that we, as educators, make to every child is that no matter where they live, what their background is, or what challenges they face, they will have access to opportunity, growth, and to success. That promise is only as strong as the willingness to invest in it,” said Peoples. “As an educator, I have had the distinct pleasure of serving in Title 1 schools for 18 years. While funding impacts Title I schools most, advocacy for full funding makes a difference for all schools. I am proud to be Mississippi’s Administrator of the Year, and I am more committed than ever to using my voice, and this platform, to advocate for the resources all our students deserve.”