Education leader focuses on improving public schools in Mississippi

JACKSON ― Christie Holly, superintendent of the Tishomingo County School District, is continuing her service to the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents as president of its board of directors. MASS recently approved a new slate of leaders during its summer convention.

For nearly 60 years, MASS has served as a leading voice for public education, offering year-round training, mentoring and advocacy for school leaders and ensuring Mississippi’s educators are equipped to move the state's school systems forward.

With board members representing districts from every region, MASS guarantees diverse input and unified action to advance the future of Mississippi’s public schools.

Drawing on years of dedicated leadership in public education, Holly is committed to building on the state's historic academic gains. In collaboration with fellow board members, she will help develop a comprehensive, strategic plan for excellence in a new era for public education—empowering local leaders and driving continuous improvement across the state.The board also reinforces MASS’s legacy as a powerful voice for public schools through awareness, advocacy and engagement efforts with members of the State Legislature, the Mississippi Department of Education and other stakeholder groups.

“Our board is made up of seasoned educators who bring invaluable perspectives to the table as we navigate a changing educational landscape,” said Dr. Phil Burchfield, executive director of MASS. “Mrs. Holly’s vision and proven leadership will be vital as MASS works to build a new framework for excellence, equipping superintendents with the innovative tools, training and support they need to make a lasting impact.”

Board members are actively engaged through regular meetings, professional development and mentoring opportunities. By building strong relationships with lawmakers and policymakers, MASS ensures that educators across Mississippi have an influential voice in shaping legislation that affects public schools.

Through strategic partnerships and sustained advocacy, MASS has played a key role in advancing initiatives that elevate Mississippi’s teaching profession — including efforts to raise teacher salaries, enhance certification requirements and improve recruitment and retention.

“MASS has always played a critical role in bringing education leaders together around a shared mission,” said Holly. “As we look toward the coming school year, our focus is on preparing schools for the future by strengthening leadership, supporting teachers and ensuring every student has access to meaningful opportunities for success.”

The Mississippi Association of School Superintendents and the Alliance of Educational Leaders of Mississippi are a non-profit association whose membership is made up of 139 public school superintendents and more than 2,000 public school administrators. Their mission is to equip and support Mississippi’s education leaders through advocacy, professional development, policy guidance and strategic collaboration that strengthens public schools statewide. Learn more at www.superintendents.ms.