June 15, 2012
Jackson, Miss, - Nancy Bragg, principal at Sale Elementary School in the Columbus Municipal School District, is Mississippi’s 2012 Administrator of the Year. Bragg was chosen from four finalists Friday at the Mississippi Board of Education meeting in Jackson.
Bragg knew she wanted to be an educator from her junior year in high school and has dedicated 31 years of her life to this pursuit, the last ten years at Sale Elementary. Bragg’s goal for her school is simple; she wants her students to stack up against any students in the country.
Each child has different gifts to offer society. I believe school people must unwrap these gifts through student learning. This is what education is all about,” said Bragg.
Bragg has led Sale Elementary to achieve a “High Performing” performance classification level, and the school also has the distinction of being one of three schools in Mississippi named an authorized International Baccalaureate World School.
Bragg’s dedication to her school and students is not lost on her fellow educators.
Nancy is often encouraging those she leads through word or deed as she develops an exemplary rapport with any student, parent, or staff in her presence,” said Dr. Del Phillips, Bragg's former superintendent.
She is always looking for the next step, the next way to make things better. Children are front and center,” said Dr. Sue Jolly-Smith, Dean, College of Education and Human Services, Mississippi University for Women.
Bragg holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Science degree from Mississippi State University. She is married and the mother of two sons, John and Joey.
Administrator of the Year Finalists
The 2012 Administrator of the Year finalist from the Second Congressional District is Davis Magnet School Principal, Dr. Jane Everly. Under Everly’s leadership Davis Magnet was designated a Star school in 2011 as well as a Blue Ribbon school in 2008. Everly is also a past president of the Mississippi Association of Gifted Children. Everly is a supporter of boosting creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills through exploring the arts. Everly says the most important factor in her decision to become an educator was her love of learning, and she believes strongly that educators should be lifelong learners.
The 2012 Administrator of the Year finalist from the Third Congressional District is Northwest Rankin Middle School principal, Jacob McEwen. In his time leading Northwest Rankin Middle School, McEwen has implemented programs focusing on dyslexia training, at risk students, as well as piloting a state program for Informational Computer Technology. McEwen believes in nurturing all his students regardless of their shortcomings. To develop his students into lifelong learners in order that they may be successful citizens, he is partnering his school with parents and the community.
The 2012 Administrator of the Year finalist from the Fourth Congressional District is Hancock High School principal, Rhett Ladner. Beginning his fifth year at Hancock High, Ladner’s vision for his school is to make it the focal point of the community. The atmosphere he has created at Hancock High School is that of one body, one mind, one heartbeat and one hawk spirit. Through his leadership, Hancock High School’s “ownership” belongs to faculty, staff, students and the community.
About the Administrator of the Year Program
The Mississippi Administrator of the Year program, mandated by Senate Bill 3350, is designed to honor an administrator who demonstrates superior ability to inspire teachers, employs exemplary leadership practices, and participates as an active member of the community. Those eligible for the award include elementary and secondary school principals and vocational-technical directors. Entries are limited to one (1) per school district.
The state selection committee, appointed by the Superintendent of Education, will choose four finalists (one from each congressional district). Following an interview with each finalist, the committee will select the state Administrator of the Year.
The Mississippi Administrator of the Year receives formal recognition by the State Board of Education and a $5,000 salary supplement from the Mississippi Department of Education during the school year following selection. The AOY is also asked to share expertise through various presentations and activities for the improvement of education in the state.
Media Contact:
Patrice Guilfoyle, APR
Director of Communications
601-359-3706
Jean Cook, APR
Communications Specialist
601-359-3519