Two Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District administrators will now be serving in different capacities following approval by the school board.
The board approved former Overstreet Elementary School Principal Tim Bourne as the district’s new director of accountability, accreditation and assessment. With Bourne moving on, Starkville High School Lead Teacher Cynthia Milons was appointed to serve as interim principal of Overstreet. Bourne started in the district as a science teacher 18 years ago, while Milons joined as an English Teacher in 2009.
Bourne explained his new role, which entails overseeing data and the district’s state accountability scores, among other responsibilities.
“What I will be doing at the district level is making sure that we have a good understanding of the end-of-the-year state assessments, just assessments in general, and also making sure we understand how we are rated in the accountability, and to make sure we are compliant with all the standards revolving around accreditation.”
Bourne said he would miss serving as a building-level administrator, but was excited to move into a district-wide position.
“This will be a new role, a new capacity,” Bourne said. “I’m just excited about it, and looking forward to learning.”
Bourne said leading Overstreet would be a good opportunity for Milons, and lauded her ability as a teacher leader.
“It’s just a great opportunity to work with teachers and fifth graders.” Milons said. “I love kids, and having this opportunity is amazing.”
Milons said, although she had spent most of her career in secondary schools, she was looking forward to working in an elementary environment. She also emphasized the importance of relationships.
“That’s my purpose,” Milons said. “I believe all kids can learn. I believe in giving everyone a chance, and maybe they need a second, third or fourth chance, but just giving them that opportunity to be the best person they can be.”
Both Bourne and Milons assumed their new positions immediately.