KCSD announces new administration leadership team
From special reports
As part of the reconfiguration to build a high performing school district, Kemper County Superintendent Hilute Hudson and Kemper County School District welcomes the new leadership team structure and team appointments for the 2020-21 school year.
The new leadership team structure was designed to be student-centered, aligned with supporting the lower and upper elementary schools restructuring as well as the middle and high school transitions for academic, athletics and vocational needs for each and every student.
Members of the new team are:
• Dr. Jeri Cawthorn, PreK-3rd Grade, will serve as principal of the new Kemper County Lower Elementary School;
• Tyresia Brown, 4th – 6th Grade, will serve as principal of the new Kemper County Upper Elementary School,
• Joseph Stone, 7th – 8th Grade, will continue to serve as principal of Kemper County Middle School.
• Dr. Kory Thigpen, 9th – 12th Grade, will serve as the new principal of Kemper County High School; and,
• Connie Johnson, Vocational, will continue to serve as Director of John C. Stennis CTE.
"One of the most critical elements for a high performing school district is developing a strong leadership team," said Hudson. "Along with my school board, we are confident that we have the right structure and the right team in place to focus on climate, culture and academics by putting students first."
The district's Leadership Team includes four current and one new administrator.
Dr. Thigpen, named the new principal of Kemper County High School, was formerly the assistant principal at Taylorsville Attendance Center with Smith County School District. Dr. Thigpen has an extensive background over the past 15 years in various positions (teacher, coach, PLC leader) serving students at the middle and high school grade levels.
His prior appointments including working at Oak Grove Middle School, Oak Grove High School, Bay Springs High School, Northeast Jones Middle School, Northeast Jones High School, Laurel Middle School, and Prentiss High School. Dr. Thigpen holds an associate's degree from Jones College; and bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi; and a master's degree in Secondary Education and doctorate from William Carey University.
"I am excited to be a part of the Wildcat family," said Thigpen. "One thing that I have learned while working with students both on the field and in the classroom is that it takes a community to raise and educate a child. I believe in FOE - Family Over Everything; and Kemper County High School is a reflection of family."
Dr. Thigpen is married to Santana Thigpen and they have two sons (Kory Jr. and Kaeden) and two daughters (Kelsey and Keiara).
Stone will continue his role as principal of Kemper County Middle School. He has been the assistant principal at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School, and principal at both East Elementary School and Armstrong Middle School. Prior to these positions, he was Director of Quad County Alternative School and assistant principal at Starkville High School. Mr. Stone has also served as an adjunct professor at East Mississippi Community College, teacher at Tupelo Public School District, Halifax County School District, Tate County 0School District, and assistant teacher at Canton Public School District and Holly Springs School District.
Mr. Stone holds a master's degree in educational leadership from American Intercontinental University; an educational specialist degree from Mississippi State University; and a bachelor's degree in English from Rust College.
"I look forward to building upon the successes that prepares our students for college or to become career ready," said Stone. "I believe that preparation requires not only academic support but also a concerted effort to build character and offer a wealth of opportunities and exposure for our students to be successful."
Connie Johnson will continue her role as vocational director of the John C. Stennis CTE. She has served Kemper County students for 23.5 years as teacher, librarian, bus driver, principal and administrator.
"I was born to be an educator," said Johnson. "My family lineage primarily consists of educators including both of my parents. My mom was my first teacher who instilled in me the importance of shining a light on the successes of every student, every day."