Ray Carlock, the new superintendent of the Brookhaven School District, brings a unique perspective to the job. It’s one that will likely help him succeed.

Carlock serves in the Mississippi Army National Guard as a lieutenant colonel at the medical command in Jackson. He is also a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Those experiences alone will do much to shape his approach to leading the district. Carlock has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Mississippi State University, a master’s degree in public health and a specialist’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Carlock initially pursued a career in petroleum engineering but was drawn to education. After a few years as an engineer he tried teaching and loved it.

Though they are no guarantee of success, experiences that have demanded leadership and accountability will help guide Carlock through the challenges that come with any superintendent job.

In Franklin County where he previously worked, Carlock raised the district’s accountability score from a C to a B. His challenge in Brookhaven is to raise the district’s D to something better. He also wants to see ACT scores climb.

He said it will take the continued cooperation and commitment of his staff and the community to accomplish that goal.

“This is a great bunch of people and a great bunch of teachers. We’re just trying to get better,” he said.

The district has its challenges, but also has many positives. The support of the community is one of Brookhaven’s greatest strengths and one that Carlock will need to utilize. We’re confident he is up for the job, and we look forward to the great things he will do here.