House Resolution 15

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DR. KIM S. BENTON UPON HER EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AS INTERIM STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION.

WHEREAS, Dr. Kim S. Benton, a renowned educator, administrator and champion of public education, is being honored for her exceptional leadership as interim state superintendent of education; and

WHEREAS, as a staunch believer in earning an education, Dr. Benton, who is a Meridian native and resident of Hickory, Mississippi, earned the following degrees: associates of arts degree, Meridian Community College (1981); bachelor of science degree in elementary education, Mississippi State University (MSU), Magna Cum Laude (1982); master's degree in elementary education (1986), educational specialist degree in elementary education and education leadership, MSU (1991) and a doctorate (Ed.D.), curriculum and instruction, MSU, secondary emphasis on educational leadership (2000); and

WHEREAS, Dr. Benton, who has over 40 years of extraordinary experience working in public education, has served in a variety of roles such as interim superintendent of schools for the Mississippi Schools for the Deaf and the Blind and the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) interim deputy state superintendent/ chief academic officer - a role she held immediately before being appointed as the interim leader of the Magnolia State's public school districts; and

WHEREAS, notably, while serving as MDE's chief academic officer, Dr. Benton was in charge of implementing several distinguished initiatives such as the Early Childhood Collaborative Act, the Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards and the Literacy Based Promotion Act, which speaks volumes of the positive impact she has had on this great state's public education system; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Benton, throughout her vast educational career, began as a teacher's assistant and she served in the Meridian Public School District as a teacher, principal and executive director of special populations and federal programs before making vast contributions with the MDE in a variety of capacities, and she also served as an associate professor at William Carey University as well as an adjunct instructor for MSU and the University of West Alabama, where she taught courses in leadership and curriculum and instruction; and

WHEREAS, in addition to her professional experience, Dr. Benton has served in a variety of leadership roles, some of which include: state president, building representative, scholarship committee and board of directors of the Mississippi Professional Educators; board member of the Mississippi Association of Federal Program Directors; state president and board of directors of the Mississippi Early Childhood Association and member of the Child Technology Advisory Council of Meridian Community College; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Benton, due to her powerful impact in public education, has been recognized by a variety of entities, some of which include: Mississippi Association of School Administrators - Golden Lamp Award (2018); United States Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Patriot Award (2015); Meridian Community College Alumnus of the Year (2014); Mississippi State University Alumnus of the Year, MSU-Meridian (2013); Phi Delta Kappa-Lauderdale County Educator of the Year (2006); Mississippi Association of Elementary School Principals, Mississippi Distinguished Principal (2004); MSU - Jayne Sargent Award, Outstanding Female Administrator (2000) and Teacher of the Year - West Hills Elementary (1987), (1990) and (1993); and

WHEREAS, throughout all of her endeavors, Dr. Benton, who is an active member of First Baptist Newton, has been lovingly supported by her husband, Gary, their five children and wonderful grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to honor an exceptional educational leader such as Dr. Benton, who throughout her over 40 years in public education, has left an indelible mark on the fabric of public education that will be honored and implemented for generations to come:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. Kim S. Benton upon her exceptional service to the State of Mississippi as interim state superintendent of education, and we wish her well in all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Kim S. Benton and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.