New Okolona school superintendent has big plans for the district

OKOLONA, Miss. (WCBI) – As Okolona’s new superintendent, Chad Spence makes the rounds every day, and the new school year hasn’t even begun.

Spence likes to visit with faculty and staff to make sure everything is ready before teachers and students are back in class.

“We have just about filled all our openings and vacancies and right now making sure buildings are ready for school in regards to being clean,” said Spence.

For Spence, taking on the role of superintendent in Okolona is a homecoming of sorts. The Corinth native has worked in Houston and Pontotoc schools.

Spence has spent time recently talking with community members about their concerns and aspirations for the district.

“Making sure schools excel, from an achievement standpoint, our goal is to at least be a B or A district in a year or so, and that can happen, lot of work to do, but I feel we’re moving in the right direction for those things to be achieved,” said Spence.

Student and teacher safety is a top priority.

At the elementary school, cameras will be installed, so office staff can see visitors as they approach the main entrance.

“I’m looking forward to an exciting year and it is our goal to do everything better,” said Lealue Triplett.

Triplett is the new principal at Okolona Elementary School and believes the district is poised for big things under Superintendent Spence’s leadership.

“He has a compassion for children, a compassion for this community, and putting those two things together, I know the sky’s the limit and we shall be an A district,” Triplett said.

The new school year for students starts August 7.

Superintendent Spence also plans to concentrate on positive “branding” of Okolona Schools through social media and community outreach and involvement.