Tuesday, July 3, 2012
JACKSON — New Jackson Public School District Superintendent Dr. Cedrick Gray is officially on the job. Gray discussed his upcoming plans for JPS at a July 2 press conference.
“Part of what we will be doing here is to create a school system that includes all members of the greater Jackson community,” he said, according to WJTV video from the conference.
He hopes many in the community will be more active and supportive of the district. Gray, who formerly served as the superintendent of Fayette County Public schools in Fayette County, Tenn., wants to bring members of his team with him.
Gray plans to hire four members from Fayette County Public schools: a deputy superintendent of instruction, a chief communications officer, and executive directors who would focus on finance and middle school academics. Their names have not been made public.
The new superintendent said he is “an advocate for children.” He wants to implement a student school board for students to address concerns to administrators and the school board.
Gray received various accolades from his former district such as district’s Lead Educator and Mentor Principal for New Leaders for New Schools. In his second year as principal, he earned a Principal of the Year nomination.
Born in Milwaukee, he moved to Memphis as a child. He now resides in North Jackson with his wife, Karen, and daughter Peyton.
Gray recognizes that the job ahead is challenging. “We have our hands full,” he added. “In order for us to be successful, we must work as a team.”
Comments
donnaladd 11 years, 9 months ago
Just in and on point:
Letter to the Editor: RE: Acknowledgment for Civic Leadership and Engagement Too often, we only hear about the negative – particularly when it comes to Jackson Public Schools. As a long-time supporter of public education, I believe we need to commend Pamela Shaw, Founder and President of P3 Strategies, LLC, for supporting the transition of Dr. Cedrick Gray, Superintendent of Jackson Public Schools, to his new assignment.
Too often, executives in public education do not employ best practices when it comes to assuming the leadership of school districts. The net result is the loss of valuable time studying and learning the complex organization before installing needed reforms. By recruiting and contracting with an agreed-upon expert to review and catalogue the challenges and opportunities that lay before JPS, Pamela Shaw has made it possible for Superintendent Gray to move forward, with urgency, some key initiatives that will accelerate student and school achievement in Jackson.
At no expense to the school district or the citizens of Jackson, Pamela Shaw has demonstrated the type of civic leadership and community engagement that will benefit JPS, its students, staff, and all of the citizens of Jackson. Such support and leadership is worthy of deep gratitude and replication by all concerned persons.
It’s important when this type of individual contribution is made, that we acknowledge with gratitude the person that made it possible. Thanks, Pam! The people of Jackson are grateful for your selfless work on behalf of our children.
Dorothy C. Triplett
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