Mississippi School Boards Association Names Denotris Jackson as First Female, African-American Executive Director
Ridgeland, MS (August 17, 2020) — The Executive Committee of the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) has named Denotris Jackson as the new Executive Director. She replaced Dr. Mike Waldrop who retired in July after being employed with the Association for 20 years. Jackson is the first female, first African-American, and first board member to serve as Executive Director.
"During this history-making era of MSBA, I am excited to welcome Denotris Jackson as the executive director of MSBA," said MSBA Board President Jan Vaughn. "Without a doubt, her input and contributions to MSBA will continue to move us forward. We look forward to a long and successful journey under her leadership."
Jackson joined MSBA in 2007, and during her tenure has served as Assistant Executive Director, Director of Policy/Advocacy, and Director of Board Development. She was also appointed to two terms on the high-performing Clinton Public School District Board of Trustees and on the MSBA Board of Directors. She held various leadership positions on both boards, including serving as President of each. She also holds the distinction of being the first school board member to be employed at MSBA.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the MSBA members," said MSBA Executive Director Denotris Jackson. "The MSBA Board of Directors is committed to student success through effective school board governance. I look forward to building upon MSBA’s strong reputation as a resource for Mississippi K-12 educators, key legislators, and partners."
Under Jackson's leadership, MSBA created the Prospective Superintendent Leadership Academy (PSLA), a professional development program designed to prepare potential candidates for superintendent positions in Mississippi’s public schools. Jackson also oversaw the development of OAgendas, the electronic board meeting service, and the Technology and Branding departments. She was instrumental in the design and development of the MSBA Online Policy program, online training programs, and MSBA mobile app. Jackson serves on the association’s training faculty, has written school board member continuing education training modules, and has presented at state, regional, and national conferences. She also serves on the association’s Superintendent Search Committee.
Jackson’s background includes 10 years of Early Childhood Administration in both the private and public sectors. She also worked for nine years in real estate sales and marketing with RE/MAX Real Estate Group. Her public school experience includes working in the Business Office of the Clinton Public School District.
Jackson is active in her church, Greater Bethlehem Temple, where she serves as a Sunday School Teacher, choir member, and education committee member. She is the 2017 recipient of the Mississippi College Educator Advocate Award, the 2017-18 Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Red Rose Award, and the 2016 Friend of Education award presented by the Mississippi Association of School Administrators. Jackson is an Associate member of the Junior Auxiliary of Clinton, having served as a Crown Club Advisor mentoring high school girls in community service and chairing several projects.
Jackson is a graduate of Clinton High School and Jackson State University, where she received a bachelor's degree in childcare and family science and a master's degree in early childhood education. She is a graduate of Leadership Clinton and the Disney Business Institute. She is also an instructor at the Southeast Bible College.
Jackson, a resident of Clinton, MS, and her husband, Kenneth, have five adult children and four grandchildren.