New Albany, MS (May 15, 2024) – Tony Cook, who formerly served as superintendent of the Houston School District and the Amory School District, has been appointed as the new superintendent of the New Albany School District (NASD). Mr. Cook’s appointment came after a six-week search conducted by the Mississippi School Boards Association.

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The board selected Mr. Cook after narrowing the list from 10 applicants to seven finalists who were interviewed by the board.

“Mr. Cook’s background as a superintendent in two high achieving school districts demonstrated that he has the knowledge and experience to continue the legacy of success which the New Albany community members and stakeholders value and expect,” said Barbara Washington, NASD Board President. “During his interview, many of his answers focused directly on students and creating more opportunities for each one. He possesses strong interpersonal skills and also understands the value of developing relationships with all stakeholder groups.”

Mr. Cook’s administrative experiences include serving as an assistant principal in the Kosciusko School District and as an assistant principal, a principal, and an assistant superintendent in the Pontotoc City School District.

During his tenure as superintendent of his Houston School District, his hometown, he led the district from a C rating to a B rating, the highest rating in district history. Amory School District grew from a B rating to an A rating during his first year as superintendent. Again, this was the highest rating ever achieved by the district.

Mr. Cook was named the 2019 Superintendent of the Year by the Mississippi Association of School Administrators (MASA). He has served on the MASA Board of Directors, the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents Board of Directors, and as a member of the Mississippi State Superintendent Advisory Council.

He is a graduate of Houston High School. He received his B.S. degree in Physical Education from the University of Mississippi and his M.Ed. degree in Educational Leadership from Delta State University.

“I am happy and excited to be a part of this high achieving school district which is surrounded by a supportive community,” Mr. Cook said. “My background in coaching and administration has allowed me to become skilled in building highly effective teams, developing and implementing focused, efficient strategic plans, and creating a collaborative atmosphere throughout the districts in which I have worked. I am inheriting an A-level school district with a firm foundation, and I look forward to working with the board members, administrators, parents, students, and community to continue the district’s success.”

Mr. Cook is married to the former Pam Kyle of Pontotoc.

Mr. Cook will assume his leadership position as superintendent of the New Albany School District on July 1, 2024.

Autism Awareness Art Contest Winners – NAES

Winners of the 1st Annual Autism Awareness Month Art Contest from New Albany Elementary School are as follows (left to right): Mehek Parida, 1st place; Carly Pegues, 2nd place; Lizzie Moore, 3rd place; Elana Crayton, 4th place; Christopher Chen, 5th place; and Katie Flores, 6th place. The winning students’ art work will be on display at Union County Heritage Museum during the month of April. The contest was sponsored by Jennifer Sechrest Photography.

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