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.

NAHS School News

Emilee Bennett, NAHS School Reporter

March is almost over?! And it feels like summer already!? What is going on? Well forget about the peculiar weather for a minute and listen to all that has been going on at New Albany High School!

As usual let’s start off with the sports of New Albany! Baseball played on the 24^th against Ripley and pulled a win 5-2. They also played Booneville and continued to win with a score of 5-4. They will play North Pontotoc on Tuesday and Friday will play division against North Pontotoc. Saturday will be home against Ripley.

Softball won their game on the 24^th against Ingomar 14-3 and against Myrtle won 9-2. Congrats to the Lady Dawgs! They earned the title of the 2012 Union County Fast Pitch Champions. They will play Senatobia on Thursday and Saturday home against Ripley.

On the 26^th, the NAHS tennis team had a meet against Pontotoc winning 4-3. A close match that is for sure! But they still pulled another win! Thursday they will be at Oxford and Friday Lewisburg at home.

NAHS golf team played Tuesday at the Tupelo Country Club. The girls will play at Tupelo Country Club and the boys at Caledonia on Thursday. NAHS track will have a meet Thursday at Aberdeen Invitational.

March 27^th was eighth grade parent night. Also on March 27^th was State Choir Competition. The choir and quartet did an amazing job earning 1’s and sextet and site reading received 2’s! Congrats to them for their achievements!

Thursday, March 29 Career and Technical Outstanding Students will have their pictures taken. At Northeast campus on the 27^th, some NA students participated in the math and science competition. Scholarships are reaching deadlines so seniors don’t forget to turn these in!

FCA Rally will be April 18^th on Wednesday at the NAHS auditorium at 6:00p.m. All proceeds go to the New Albany Junior Auxiliary Amanda Price Memorial Scholarship. The art show will be April 3 at the Union County Heritage Museum. Have a fantastic week!

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

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