Lafayette’s Pugh named to Mississippi’s Administrator Advisory Council

Published 1:15 pm Monday, January 20, 2020

During his campaign, Mississippi Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann made education one of his main platforms, stating he would seek input from public educators from across the state when considering new legislation which would impact public schools.

Now that he is in office, Hosemann has assembled an Administrator Advisory Council to help him fulfill those promises made on the campaign trail. The council’s formation was announced on Friday, and it includes 19 public school leaders from across Mississippi.

“For Mississippi to succeed, our public schools must succeed,” Hosemann said in a statement. “This requires us to listen to educators and address their needs. I look forward to working with this group and other administrators to continue advancing student achievement and supporting our schools.”

Email newsletter signup

The council includes representatives from all nine regions across Mississippi: Northeast, Golden Triangle, East Central, Pine Belt, Coast, Capital Area, Southwest, Delta and North Mississippi. The 19 members are made up of superintendents; elementary, middle and high school principals; career and technical, special education and curriculum and instruction directors.

One of the two members representing the North Mississippi region is Lafayette County School District superintendent Dr. Adam Pugh. He joins Lewisburg Elementary School principal Sherry Anderson.

“I am honored to be asked to serve,” Pugh said. “I look forward to working with Lt. Governor Hosemann and the other members.”

The Advisory Council will work alongside Senate Education Chairman Dennis DeBar, Jr., and Vice Chairman David Blount to keep informed about legislation relevant to public schools as the Mississippi Senate moves through the 2020 session. Hosemann has asked members to share concerns they may be dealing with in their respective districts. During the summer, Hosemann said he plans to call on members to participate in various study groups to examine legislation for the 2021 Legislative Session.

“One of the most important things we can do for educators is listen to them and remove barriers in the way of the important work they are doing,” DeBar said in a statement. “By keeping this group and other education organizations in the loop, we can move effectively share ideas and implement better policy to support our schools and students.”

Hosemann plans to announce a separate advisory council of teachers in early February.