Senate Concurrent Resolution 557

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE SINCEREST CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO NESHOBA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT DR. LUNDY BRANTLEY IN RECOGNITION OF BEING NAMED 2022-2023 "SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR" BY THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (MASA).

WHEREAS, Neshoba County School District Superintendent Dr. Lundy Brantley has been named Mississippi's "Superintendent of the Year" by the Mississippi Association of School Administrators (MASA) at its annual meeting and leadership conference on October 31, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Brantley will go on to compete on the national level and be recognized during the National Conference on Education in San Antonio, Texas; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Brantley is in his sixth year at the helm of the Neshoba County School District. Dr. Brantley's application process included his and his school district's long list of accomplishments. He described the honor as a "Neshoba Central Team" Award; and

WHEREAS, "I'm excited about it," Dr. Brantley said. "I'm very humbled. It's really a team award. I'm receiving it but it's really the whole district's award. It recognizes the achievements of all our people here. It says a lot about our district. It says a lot about what we are doing here and what we are trying to do"; and

WHEREAS, for the first time in Neshoba Central's long and rich history, the Neshoba County School District earned an "A" accountability rating for the 2021-2022 school year under Dr. Brantley's leadership. Neshoba Elementary and Middle Schools were individually rated an 'A' while the high school received a high 'B' rating. Neshoba Middle School was ranked number six in the state while the high school was in the top 20 in acceleration; and

WHEREAS, in his application for the State Superintendent Award, Dr. Brantley said the Neshoba School District "lives out our mission in day-to-day practice by developing every student intellectually, emotionally and physically in a safe environment. The district's vision is that all students graduate college and be career ready with courses, certifications and external opportunities beyond a high school diploma." The Neshoba County School District has an enrollment of 3,035 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Also highlighted in the application are Dr. Brantley's memberships and offices held in professional organizations, professional development activities, publications, articles, presentations, community leadership, honors and awards, communication, and professionalism, among other areas; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Brantley was appointed Neshoba County Superintendent of Education in July 2017. Prior to that, he was Superintendent of Union Public School District, High School Principal at Pearl Public School District, High School and Junior High School Principal at Wester County School District and Elementary Principal at Neshoba County School District. He holds an associate's degree from East Central Community College, a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master's, specialist and doctorate from Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, Glen Beard, Superintendent of Choctaw County School District, who nominated Brantley for the award, described him as a "high-energy, go-getter type of person" in everything he does. "He has an infectious personality that makes everyone around him better," Beard said. "He attacks every day with zeal and tenacity. This mindset has been transferred throughout the school district and he has made Neshoba County School District one of the top in the state!" Dr. Brantley's term as President of MASA came to an end at the conference. He moved to the Past President position. He is also Mississippi's representative on the National Governing Board; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ronnie McGehee, MASA Executive Director, praised Dr. Brantley's service and leadership in Neshoba County and his willingness to share his practical experiences in his time as the leader of Neshoba County Schools. "Dr. Brantley serves on several committees across our state and he gains a National View of Educational leadership as a member of our National Affiliate, the American Association of School Administrators. We congratulate Dr. Brantley as well as his staff and communities that he leads in Neshoba County," Dr. McGehee said; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize an outstanding Mississippi school administrator who has brought honor to his school district, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the sincerest congratulations of the Mississippi Legislature to Neshoba County School District Superintendent Dr. Lundy Brantley in recognition of being named 2022-2023 "Superintendent of the Year" by the Mississippi Association of School Administrators (MASA), and our best wishes to Dr. Brantley and his family on this memorable occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Lundy Brantley and his family, forwarded to the Neshoba County Board of Education and the State Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.