Two more new principals within Madison County Schools (MCS) were announced last week to join the six previously announced within the last month.
MCS Director of Communications Gene Wright said they were very fortunate during the pandemic to have very little administrator turnover, and this year they have had a number of long-serving principals reach their years to be able to retire as state employees.
“One principal is stepping away from the lead role due to health concerns, but the rest of the turnover is due to those retiring from public education or principals from one school moving to a different role in the district, such as Old Town’s principal going to principal at Ridgeland High School and East Flora’s principal going to Central Office,” Wright said. “At the same time, we are extremely fortunate to have well-prepared, excellent educators and leaders ready to step into their shoes. It is definitely unusual to have so much movement in a single year, but it’s just the way the timing worked out for most of these retirees.”
Dr. Marsha Peoples will be the next principal of East Flora Elementary School. She currently serves as the school’s assistant principal.
“Dr. Peoples will be an outstanding lead principal at East Flora,” MCS Superintendent Charlotte Seals said. “Her experience in elementary education along with her dedication to supporting faculty and students will contribute to the continued success and academic growth of East Flora Elementary.”
Peoples has had a 15-year career, which has included serving as a teacher, literacy specialist and assistant principal. While she was a teacher at John Hopkins Elementary School, she was selected as the 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year. She had recently earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College in 2020.
“There has been an exciting wave of growth in student achievement at East Flora this year,” Peoples said. “As a school family, we all take responsibility for student learning each day. I look forward to our students achieving at high standards and moving forward on their educational paths to do great things.”
Perry Green will take over as the next principal of Velma Jackson High School. She also is currently serving as its assistant principal and has been since 2014.
She began her career in education in 1998 and has served as a teacher, instructional specialist, and assistant principal. She earned her master’s degree in 2001 followed by her Education Specialist degree in 2009.
“With her vast knowledge of education and leadership experience, we have full confidence that Green will lead the Falcons to continued success,” Seals said.
Green said it is an honor to receive the title of principal at Velma Jackson High School.
“My main objective is to continue to move the mark for Velma,” Green said. “It is my belief that every student deserves a quality education and that happens when the school, parents and students work together for success. I anticipate a productive school year as we ensure that our students reach their highest academic potential.”
Both newly named principals will take over in their new role on July 1.
