CARROLLTON — Carroll Academy’s next headmaster says he believes he can “bring a lot to the table” in his new job.
The CA Board of Trustees announced the hiring of Curtis “Curt” McCain this week. He replaces Steve Flemming, who has accepted the headmaster’s position at Benton Academy.
“For the challenges that have been brought to me, I believe I can help,” McCain said. “All independent schools are unique. All are different. CA will have its fair share of challenges.
“The main thing is, I am excited to be there. I met the faculty and staff Tuesday and parents at a TPA meeting Tuesday night. Carrollton has similar values as the Delta — a friendly, loving atmosphere.”
McCain comes with 16 years of experience in education, most recently as headmaster of Canton Academy for nearly five years. He left that school in January and has been doing consulting and substitute work since then.
Most of his upbringing was in Bolivar County. He attended Bayou Academy and then Delta State University, where he played football and earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and math.
He later earned a master’s degree in administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, and he holds a specialist degree and 12 hours toward a doctorate in administration.
McCain said he first heard of the opening at CA from Flemming. “We’re friends and colleagues,” he said. “I think a lot of him. I heard from Steve he was going to make a change.”
He said he did not pursue the position for a while, but after talking with his wife and considering the job prayerfully, he decided to apply. Since he wife is a partner in a law firm in Ridgeland, the family doesn’t plan to move right away.
“I had to find out if CA would be willing to accept my not moving,” he said. “They were willing to allow me to commute.”
McCain said the job seems to be a good fit.
“I believe who I am as a person and what I have to offer is what the school is looking for,” he said. “I believe it’s a God thing.”
Carroll Academy’s board secretary, April Neill, said the board believes McCain’s experience and character are just what the school needs.
“He has a lot of experience,” she said. “He’s really good. We worked really hard to get him. He’s a Christian leader. We believe he’s going to help us achieve excellence in academics as well as athletics.”
Neill said Dr. Bernard Taylor, former superintendent at the Winona Public Schools and a one-time CA headmaster, assisted the board in the search and interview process.
“He checked Curt out and helped conduct the interviews. He has been really great helping us because he knows academics,” she said.
McCain’s first job was at New Summit School in Jackson. He then moved on to University Christian School in Flowood, where he was athletic director and math teacher for three years and then principal for two years. From there he went to Central Hinds Academy, where he was assistant headmaster and assistant football coach.
He left Central Hinds to go to Tri-County Academy in Flora as assistant headmaster, head football coach and geometry teacher before taking the headmaster’s position at Canton Academy.
When he isn’t working, McCain and his family love football. They have begun to train as runners and have completed several half marathons. The family also loves to spend time at Sardis Lake, where they have a cabin, and enjoy water skiing.
The McCains have two children— Taylor, 7, and Caroline, 3.
Also very high on his list is mission work.
“I will take my fourth trip to Cuba this year,” he said. “It is very exciting. There’s a lot happening there. The Spirit is moving freely there.”
McCain said he would be at Carroll about two days each week through the spring to get to know the staff and make plans for next year.
