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.

Griffin Named Head Tennis Coach at NAHS

The New Albany School Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Josh Griffin as New Albany High School’s Head Tennis Coach at the May school board meeting

Griffin has nearly twenty years of experience as an educator and coach in the public school setting in Mississippi, with twelve of those being a head tennis coach. Most recently he served as Head Tennis Coach and a science teacher at Saltillo High School.

“I am extremely grateful to the administration of New Albany Schools and am elated to have the opportunity to become the next Head Tennis Coach at New Albany High School, a program I have admired and respected for 12 years now,” Griffin said. “It is my expectation to extend what is already a high ceiling of the championship culture and success for the student-athletes of the tennis program.”

Griffin is excited to invest in the community where he and his family have resided the past nine years. He looks forward to meeting the tennis team, his colleagues, and more of the New Albany community in the weeks to come.

“We are excited about Coach Griffin coming on board to lead our tennis program. The program has experienced great success for more than twenty years and we believe Coach Griffin can continue this success,” said Cody Stubblefield, Athletic Director at New Albany High School.

“We are looking forward to Coach Griffin and his family being a part of the New Albany Bulldog family,” Stubblefield added.

Griffin holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education from Delta State University.

New Albany Schools
1112 Wesson Tate Drive
New Albany, MS 38652
662-534-1800

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