State superintendent search to begin July 1

The search firm, McPherson & Jacobson, LLC, has been selected by the Mississippi Board of Education (SBE) to search for the next state superintendent.

In May, Dr. Kim Benton was announced to be appointed to the role of interim state superintendent of education, effective July 1. She will succeed Dr. Carey Wright, who is due to retire on June 30.

Dr. Kim Benton (Mississippi Department of Education)

“Dr. Benton has worked alongside Dr. Wright during most of her tenure and has been instrumental in helping to lead the state’s successful education reform efforts,” said Rosemary Aultman, SBE chair. “The Board is confident Dr. Benton will continue the progress we have made in public education over the past decade as we begin the search for a permanent state superintendent.”

The firm will begin searching for applicants who meet SBC requirements on July 1. In October, SBE expects to interview candidates to fill the position by January 2023.