Thirty-seven administrators from public school districts across Mississippi, including Rod Paige Middle School Principal Cassie Bridges, gathered virtually Aug. 30 for the first meeting of this year’s CEO Leadership Academy.

CEO stands for Collaborating to Empower Others — a five-year partnership between the Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools (PREPS) and the Phil Hardin Foundation to help school leaders develop the tools they need to help students succeed.

A statewide research and advocacy organization, PREPS is housed at William Carey University’s Hattiesburg campus. Dr. Chuck Benigno is the executive director.

“We are thrilled to announce this outstanding group of educators who are joining our CEO Leadership family. Over the past few years, graduates have enhanced their skills through a renewed focus on creating healthy school cultures based on empathy and respect. Bringing practitioners together from all over Mississippi creates a learning environment that is second to none and I can’t wait to get started,” Benigno said.

The 2021-22 CEO Leadership Academy class hails from 25 public school districts and all four Mississippi Congressional districts:

“The goal of CEO Leadership Academy is for school leaders to collaborate, build networks and work together. By digging deep into the research and keeping abreast of best practices and strategies, they enhance teacher and student interactions,” said Dr. Patti Permenter, PREPS associate director.

“This year’s academy will be mostly virtual due to COVID-19 concerns. However, this gives the group an opportunity to network with colleagues from around the nation.”

For more information, visit www.mspreps.org.