Interim School Superintendent Montgomery shares her goals

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (W.S.F.A) – November marks the beginning of new leadership for Montgomery Public Schools. Jamie Wilson takes over after the resignation of Chief Inspector Dr. Melvin Brown.

“I’m just really passionate about supporting our youth,” Wilson said.

Jamie Wilson has been in education for twenty years and is no stranger to the Montgomery Public Schools.

Before being selected by the Montgomery County Board of Education as interim superintendent, she served for two years as chief of staff under former Superintendent Melvin Brown.

“I was able to do a lot of the day. I understand the needs of our students, families and staff, but I also understand that it is a tough task,” Wilson said.

Wilson says she is determined to keep MPS’ momentum going. She says they have made great progress implementing a new curriculum focused on reading and math, increasing support for teachers and introducing sports to high schools through a partnership with the city.

“It will help create a more positive environment for students. We want them to feel like they belong. And so those are areas that we’re really trying to work hard on,” Wilson said.

She says there are still growth opportunities to recruit and retain teachers, improve student scores in reading and math and reduce chronic absenteeism.

“We want to make sure that we are supporting students emotionally, that any mental health services that we can provide to our students also make them feel safe and make them want to come to school,” Wilson said.

Another of her goals is to cultivate family and community partnerships.

“We understand it takes a village. And so I think the first thing we need to do is make sure that we provide the right space for our families to feel comfortable,” Wilson said.

Wilson believes that for MPS to be successful, it must be united with local leaders and the community.

The school board is expected to hire a consulting firm to conduct the search for a new permanent principal and give the public an opportunity to provide input.

Not reading this story in the WSFA News app? Receive news alerts FASTER and FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!