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.

Read More

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

Walter Smith

Walter Smith, NAHS School Reporter

The past summer was jam packed with new and traditional school activities. The summer saw new sports arise and an old sport vanish. Volleyball starting their first ever campaign with Coach LaShay Ashford leading them to a 2-1 record; proving that starting a new athletic program can, in fact, be done successfully. Speaking of successful programs, our very own Bulldogs have worked extremely hard this summer and will be playing their first home football game of the 2012 season against Ripley. The game will begin at 7:30 on August 17 and we hope to see all of New Albany attending sporting their purple in honor of Amanda Price.

Camp Freshman began this year with the biggest turn out ever recorded. We are excited to have so many new faces in the High School. Senior mentor, “Wilson” Wilson A.K.A. “Brandon Wilson” is his usual open arms to the freshman class. The school year got started off with a bang. The opening assembly featured student body president Lyndi Stokes delivering a riveting opening speech followed by Principal Evans discussing the rules and procedures for the following year. Overall New Albany High School is set to have a fantastic year.

Also be sure to like us on facebook at “In the Dawghouse

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

© New Albany Schools
All Rights Reserved

Literacy Act Report

Free & Reduced Lunch

Careers at NAS
Current Bids
Dean Provence Endowment
Dropout Prevention Plan
EXCEL By 5
Mississippi English Learner Guidelines
Per Pupil Expenditure Summary
School Report Card

To protect against waste, fraud, and abuse of district and federal funds, please report suspected fraud, waste, or abuse to the Superintendent, Business Manager, or Federal Programs Director at 662-534-1800 or by emailing wastefraudabuse@nasd.ms.