Following the Senate’s rejection of Dr. Robert Taylor as state superintendent of education, the Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) has named Mike Kent to hold the position as an interim.
Kent, who has served as interim deputy superintendent at the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) since 2012 after nearly a decade as superintendent in Madison County, will assume the interim title from April 3 through June 30.
Kent’s role at the MDE has included leadership training for superintendents and principals, overseeing the transition to the state’s A-F accountability system, leading legislatively mandated school district consolidations, and supporting the state’s Districts of Transformation and Achievement School District.
During his tenure as superintendent of the Madison County School District, Kent ensured the district’s consistently high academic performance, passed three school bond referendums totaling close to $200 million, and oversaw the construction of 13 school campuses.
“Mike Kent has deep roots and experience in Mississippi’s public school system at the state and district level and is respected throughout the state for his wisdom and effective leadership,” Rosemary Aultman, SBE chair, said. “The Board is confident he will provide continuity in leadership of the Mississippi Department of Education during this transition.”
The SBE has announced plans to appoint a long-term interim superintendent to begin July 1 and will set a timeline for its search for a permanent state superintendent of education at a later date.
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