Board of Education Kicks Off Search for New Superintendent

State Board of Education Chair William Jones (left) and Superintendednt of Education Hank Bounds at Monday's meeting

Mississippi Superintendent of Education Hank Bounds will likely soon be overseeing the state’s universities as the next Commissioner of Higher Education. As MPB's Stephen Koranda reports This week the state school board is beginning the process of looking for his replacement.

Under Hank Bounds’ leadership the Department of Education implemented new programs to redesign the curriculum in Mississippi high schools, reduce dropouts and increase testing standards for students. At a meeting yesterday in Jackson, State Board of Education Chair William Jones said those programs will stay in place.

“In times past the new superintendent could pretty much trash everything that was going on and implement his own new programs. That’s not going to happen this time. We’re going to go ahead and complete everything we’ve on the table and I think it’s the proper thing to do. These things are very good, all these improvements are huge improvements.”

One of the first steps was selecting an interim replacement for Bounds, assuming his appointment as IHL commissioner is finalized. The board tapped Judy Rhodes, with the organization Mississippi Professional Educators. Board members say they selected Rhodes because of her experience working with the legislature and decades of education-related state service. Rhodes says budget uncertainty will be one of the biggest challenges she faces.

“It’s a very difficult time especially for school districts and the State Department (of Education). Certainly the priority is going to be to work with the legislature in hopes that we can come up with a budget as soon as possible.”

Rhodes says she won’t pursue appointment as the permanent superintendent. Board members say the nationwide search for a replacement could range anywhere from 90 days to 6 months.