Assistant principal at Calhoun City High School breaks barriers, makes history

CALHOUN CITY, MISS. (WCBI) –  The assistant principal at Calhoun City High School is breaking barriers.

The new administrator has already made a name for herself with teachers in the area and now she is using her skills to set a path for greater success district-wide.

She may be assistant principal, but that doesn’t stop Nicole Chandler from getting out of her office and visiting with Calhoun City High School students during lunch.

Chandler was named assistant principal this summer, becoming the first female African American administrator for Calhoun County schools.

“I would think the Good Lord saw it in my plan before I did, as time has progressed and I have tried to strive in my academic career, in the field of education, it was definitely something that I picked up and moved along with it, and I’m enjoying it thoroughly,” said Chandler.

She is no stranger to Calhoun County schools, serving for one year as an intervention specialist for the district, helping students who are struggling academically.

Chandler said she’s excited about challenges and opportunities that come with her new role at the high school.

“One area we are definitely working towards improving upon is some of our academic end goals for students, so that starts with setting goals at the very beginning and then utilizing our data to drive our ship as to how we reach those goals.”

Teachers said Chandler is the perfect choice for assistant principal, they believe her determination to help students and teachers set goals and surpass those goals is already making a big difference.

“She’s helped me with explicit instruction and breaking things down, so we start on Monday, this is what we’re going to look at and look at until Friday. I’ve seen that benefit my scores,” said Cassandra Brower, U.S. History Teacher.

Chandler is looking forward to the rest of the school year, working with a team of dedicated professionals to impact the lives of students.

The position of assistant principal is a new position for the high school. Chandler helps oversee students in grades fifth through twelfth.