Latest News

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.

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. 

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.”