Several of Dr. Jennifer Wilson’s supporters are elated at her appointment as superintendent of the Greenwood School District, saying they feel her hiring was long overdue.
The school board voted unanimously at a specially called meeting Friday to bring the former Greenwood administrator back to run the district.
Wilson’s appointment takes effect July 1.
She served as interim superintendent during the 2012-2013 school year after Margie Pulley retired. Wilson resigned ahead of schedule in the spring of 2013 after being passed over for the permanent position of superintendent in favor of Dr. Montrell Greene.
The district has been managed by interim Superintendent Charles Brooks since early January, when the board terminated Greene.
“She was part of the team that was successful back when it was a successful school district,” said radio host and former district employee Lee Hall.
Since Wilson’s resignation, the district’s accountability rating has slid from a C to a D on Mississippi’s A-to-F scale. The district has also received several negative audits from the state Department of Education.
Hall has been a frequent critic of the school board and district administration over the last few years and was involved in protest demonstrations following Greene’s hiring.
Hall said that the school board’s unanimity last week in voting on Wilson’s appointment is a promising sign. “They showed solidarity, they’re willing to support her leadership.”
Four seats on the school board have changed since Wilson was passed over three years ago.
Wilson’s status as a product of the Greenwood public schools is another mark in her favor, according to Hall. “She is a committed educator, she’s from here, she loves Greenwood and understands the dynamics.”
Greenwood High School football coach Clinton Gatewood, who also unsuccessfully lobbied for Wilson’s hiring in 2013, said he looks forward to Wilson bringing a change in the culture of the 2,800-student district.
“I admire her ability and what she stands for. That’s the reason I pushed so hard for her the last time,” said Gatewood. “She’s going to bring the same attitude and the same work ethic.”
He said, “She’s a person that everyone loves and loves to work with,” he said.
City Council President Ronnie Stevenson said the board made “a great decision” by hiring Wilson.
“Dr. Wilson has paid her dues to earn this position,” he said. “I don’t think it was something just given to her. I think she’s the right person to move the district forward.”
Expectations are high for Wilson to improve the district’s accountability ratings.
“If you don’t have the academic base, nothing else positive can happen for the district,” said Gatewood.
“I really believe she’s going to do great things for our school district,” said Stevenson.
Wilson could not be reached for comment today.
• Contact Nick Rogers at 581-7235 or nrogers@gwcommonwealth.com.
