By Debbie Burt Myers
Josh Perkins, a superintendent with 23 years of leadership and teaching experience, was hired Monday to take the helm of the Neshoba County School District.
Perkins will succeed Dr. Lundy Brantley who retires as superintendent on June 30.
He is currently superintendent of the Enterprise School District, having served over 950 students and 140 full-time staff members.
“I have great admiration for the Neshoba County School District and believe I have the experience, knowledge and skills to continue pushing the district toward its vision for all students to graduate college and career ready with courses, certifications and external opportunities beyond a high school diploma,” Perkins said.
The NCSD has a tradition of excellence, which is evident by the success they have experienced, both academically and through its rich extracurricular programs, he said.
“It is apparent the stakeholders of the Neshoba County School District are all working collaboratively to achieve the district mission, which is to develop every student intellectually, emotionally, and physically in a safe environment,” Perkins said.
“The sense of community and pride found in the Neshoba County School system is unparalleled and I’m humbled to be selected to serve as the next Superintendent.”
Perkins said his goal as superintendent is to continue moving the district forward and help the NCSD become the premier education destination in Mississippi.
“I look forward to serving the stakeholders of Neshoba County to ensure we provide a learning environment that allows for the success of all students,” he said.
Perkins was appointed superintendent at Enterprise in 2017.
In his six years as superintendent, his district not only maintained an “A” rating but the district, along with all three schools, has been recognized as Mississippi’s best.
Prior to his appointment as superintendent, Perkins served the district as the middle school principal, softball coach, science teacher and bus driver.
Perkins holds a Specialist of Education from Mississippi State University in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Sports Coaching Leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Bachelor of Science in Education from MSU.
He grew up in Collinsville and graduated from West Lauderdale High School.
He is married to Christy Perkins. He has two stepchildren, Blake and Blair, and four grandchildren, Zephyr, Cannon, Waverly and Wilder.