With a combined 35 years of service among them, the five-member Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District Board of Trustees is made up of a retired university educator in the field of K12 education, an expert in early childhood health services and Head Start, a licensed professional counselor with extensive experience with children and adolescents, a fundraising officer who specializes in charitable planned estate giving, and the head of an MSU Extension Center tasked with training government officials across the state. The thread that ties these community leaders together is a core commitment to service and the belief that a strong public school system is the heart of any community.
"The role of a school board member is vital to establishing and sustaining a community-centered system of education that supports and benefits every child," said SOCSD Superintendent, Dr. Tony McGee. "We are incredibly grateful for the investment these individuals have made in understanding, advising, and supporting our district as well as their thoughtful decision-making process."
The week of February 16-20 is designated as Mississippi's School Board Recognition Week, a time to acknowledge and celebrate the appointed and elected volunteers across the state who devote time and energy to serving on local school boards. SOCSD's Board of Trustees is comprised of three members appointed by Starkville's Board of Aldermen and two members who are elected every four years from portions of the electorate who reside in the district.
As part of the week's recognition, we asked each of the SOCSD Board of Trustees members to share the "why" behind their decision to serve and to describe the commitment they have to Yellow Jacket families across Starkville and Oktibbeha County. Here is what they shared...
CASSANDRA PALMER
Board of Trustees President
Member since 2022
"I count serving on the SOCSD school board as a great honor and blessing. It is a unique opportunity to serve all the families within our district from all over Oktibbeha County. Wherever I find myself—the grocery store, one of various Mexican restaurants or Dollar Generals throughout Starkville and the county, the drive-through pharmacy, gas station, a school event, local sports games, or a community meeting—I make a point of meeting students and parents. I ask what grade they or their children are in and who their teacher is and want to hear their feedback about their school experience. I want to know each one and remind myself that each one of them is who we as a board serve. Those are the people I see and remember and am committed to doing the very best for as I ask questions at board meetings, make decisions with fellow board members, and cast every vote. Families are the essence of our community and raising children in today’s world is difficult so it is vital that we support families and know them as we partner with them to educate their children. We want to ensure each student has the very best opportunity to learn, grow, and eventually go out on their own and have whatever career opportunity they want to pursue. When I say or hear someone say 'Jacket Family', I think of and see all those faces from all of those families I meet in daily life. It’s truly a privilege to meet and serve them every single day. "
SUMNER DAVIS
Board of Trustees Vice President
Member since 2018
"Serving on the Board of Trustees for the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District is both an honor and a significant responsibility. The opportunity to help guide a public school system that serves as a cornerstone of our community is one I approach with deep respect for the families, students, faculty, and staff who make our schools strong. Strong public schools are essential to strong communities, and meaningful engagement with families and community partners remains central to student success.
The work of the Board is grounded in a commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement. Through policy direction, oversight, and strategic planning, the Board supports the district’s efforts to create safe, welcoming, and high performing schools while expanding opportunities for every student we serve. Our responsibility is to help ensure every student has the opportunity to discover and develop their passion, purpose, and full potential through strong schools and strong community partnerships.
The trust families place in our schools is substantial, and the Board is committed to honoring that trust through thoughtful, informed decision making that strengthens educational outcomes and supports the academic, social, and emotional well being of our students. Service in this role is stewardship. It is a commitment to sustaining and improving a system that shapes the future of our community. Most importantly, our work is ultimately about supporting families, celebrating student success, and ensuring every child in our district has the opportunity to thrive."
WES GORDON
Board of Trustees Secretary
Member since 2019
"I would say our children in Oktibehha County are our greatest asset and our future. I serve to help prepare them for just that, the future. I want them to be equipped with what ever they need to be successful in whatever they do in the future. Success looks different to each to child and we must put them on a path to succeed. I want families to know that every single decision we make we have the children in mind when we make that decision."
JAMILA TAYLOR
Board of Trustees Assistant Secretary
Member since 2019
"Serving on the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School Board is personal to me because our schools are at the heart of our community and our children’s future. It’s an opportunity for me to listen, learn, and work alongside families and administrators to make decisions that truly support every child.
My commitment is to be present, advocating for strong schools, ensuring families feel heard and supported, so that all children have the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed."
DR. DEBRA PRINCE
Board of Trustees Member since 2017
"I thank God that I have the opportunity to serve others in one of the most important and meaningful ways imaginable – as a school board member. I find joy in doing the work to support our most vulnerable citizens, our children. I truly believe that our community and society in general will only be as good as its public school system, and I’m grateful for the opportunity that I have to work with others to develop and sustain a school district all of our children deserve."
