ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

Small-Town Character. Metropolitan Access.

Canton, Mississippi - known as the City of Lights - is located approximately 30 miles north of Jackson and eight miles from the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. Canton offers residents the character of a close-knit community while providing convenient access to the opportunities and amenities of the Jackson metropolitan area.



The historic Canton Square has been recognized as one of America's most beautiful town squares. The community is home to the nationally known Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show and annual traditions including the Championship Hot Air Balloon Race, Victorian Christmas Festival, and Gospel Fest Homecoming.

Canton also benefits from a significant business and industrial presence. Nissan's major manufacturing facilities are located in the area, creating opportunities for connections among education, workforce development, advanced manufacturing, and the broader regional economy.

The Superintendent of Education serves as the chief executive officer of the school district and is responsible to the Board of Trustees for ensuring compliance with all board policies and Mississippi State Board of Education rules and regulations, as well as state and federal laws.

Only applicants who fit the following criteria and qualifications defined by the board will be considered for the position.

MANDATORY LEGAL CRITERIA

• Must meet the experience criteria outlined in Mississippi Code § 37-9-13.
• Has served as a principal for a minimum of three years in an “A,” “B,” or “C” rated school; five years of experience preferred; or
• Has served as a superintendent or assistant superintendent within the past five years in an “A,” “B,” or “C” rated school district.

EDUCATIONAL & INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

• Has successful experience as a building principal. Demonstrates a proven track record of moving a school or district forward academically.
• Understands teaching and learning. Demonstrates a strong understanding of curriculum, instruction, assessment, accountability, and instructional leadership.
• Uses data to drive decision-making. Uses multiple measures of student, school, and district performance to establish priorities, make decisions, monitor progress, and improve outcomes.
• Improves outcomes for all students. Has experience improving outcomes for diverse student populations, including struggling learners and students with disabilities.
• Builds an effective workforce. Is able to recruit, select, assign, develop, support, and evaluate staff effectively.
• Prioritizes technology. Understands how technology can strengthen teaching, learning, communication, operations, efficiency, and student opportunities.
• Is an innovative leader. Demonstrates the ability to identify, evaluate, and implement innovative practices, programs, technologies, and solutions that improve student outcomes and move the district forward.
• Uses a team-oriented management approach. Builds leadership capacity throughout the organization and creates shared ownership for district success.

RELATIONSHIP & ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

• Demonstrates high emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills.
• Develops and maintains a productive and trusting relationship with the Board.
• Creates a climate of trust and openness. Builds trust among the Board, administration, employees, families, and community.
• Promotes a unified district culture. Centers the organization on common goals, high expectations, accountability, and student success.
• Maintains a visible presence. Regularly visits schools, classrooms, programs, and community activities.
• Develops positive relationships with business and community members.
• Establishes and maintains meaningful partnerships. Builds sustainable relationships with business and industry, colleges and universities, community and civic organizations, governmental entities, foundations, nonprofits, and other partners that can expand educational opportunities, resources, career pathways, workforce development, and services for students and families.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Develops an effective communication process. Keeps Board members, administrators, staff, parents, students, and community members appropriately informed.
• Possesses strong communication skills. Demonstrates effective speaking, listening, writing, digital communication, and technology skills.
• Provides the Board with accurate, complete, timely, and relevant information and reports.
• Is approachable, accessible, visible, and responsive.
• Communicates the district's story effectively. Helps the community understand district priorities, accomplishments, challenges, opportunities, and progress.

VISION, STRATEGIC PLANNING & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

• Develops and communicates a compelling vision. Articulates where the school district should be in the future and communicates that vision effectively to all stakeholders.
• Has experience with strategic planning, long-range planning, goal setting, monitoring, and reporting progress.
• Leads continuous improvement. Uses data, research, innovation, stakeholder input, and measurable outcomes to evaluate programs and practices and determine where improvement or change is needed.
• Builds upon existing strengths while pursuing new opportunities. Recognizes successful district programs and partnerships while identifying new strategies that can further advance student achievement and opportunity.

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

• Demonstrates a clear understanding of school finance, budgeting, financial management, and financial reporting.
• Understands the relationship between financial decisions and instructional priorities.
• Aligns resources with district goals and student needs. Maintains responsible stewardship of public funds.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications must be submitted no later than November 16, 2026.

START DATE

The start date for the new superintendent will be determined by the Board once the candidate is selected.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please be prepared to upload the following documents (PDF) into the application system:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume
• Valid Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Administrator License
• Additional Required Documents as Determined by the Board

To create your profile and begin the application process,

click the "Apply Now!" button.

MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

Denotris R. Jackson, Ed. D., Executive Director

380 Zurich Drive │ Ridgeland, MS 39157 │ 601-924-2001 │  msbaonline.org