The search is over.
According to a news release from the Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District, the school board unanimously chose Eddie Peasant to serve as the district’s new superintendent Tuesday night, replacing Lewis Holloway, who announced his retirement in November 2016.
Peasant is an assistant superintendent for the Tupelo School District, and was chosen over finalists Tony McGee of the Scott County School District and Dan Lawson of the Tullahoma, Tennessee City School District. Starkville-Oktibbeha Assistant Superintendent Toriano Holloway also applied for the position. The Omaha-based firm, McPherson and Jacobson was hired by the board to assist with the search.
Peasant has also served as principal of Clinton High School and Gulfport Central Middle School. He will initially serve under a four-year contract at a salary of $180,000.
“He’s been a highly-effective administrative leader in large, diverse school districts like SOCSD where academics, arts, athletics and extra-curricular offerings are equally important to a student’s comprehensive educational experience,” school board President Jenny Turner said in the release. “He’s also very familiar with the transition from middle school to high school, and he’s very knowledgeable about how ninth grade academies can improve student achievement which falls in line with the district’s future plans for Armstrong Middle School.”
The district plans to move ninth grade to Armstrong Middle School, once the planned SOCSD/Mississippi State University Partnership School is complete.
According to the release, Peasant was selected because of his success and experience at the secondary level, particularly as the Partnership School project continues. Peasant has also been named Mississippi Administrator of the Year.
Peasant was interviewed on Thursday, visiting schools and meeting with focus groups before a formal interview with the school board. He will officially start work on July 1.
Peasant holds degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi College.
“It’s an exciting time for our community and our district as we prepare to break ground on one of the most innovative schools from programs to facilities for 6th and 7th grades in the southeast,” Turner said. “We’re ready to take the next step forward with Dr. Peasant.”