SPOTLIGHT ON NEW LEADERS | From Within Our Ranks to the Helm of Leadership!
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The Meridian Public School District is proud to announce and celebrate a group of exceptional educators who have climbed the professional ladder to take on new roles as school and district administrators beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. These individuals exemplify the power of perseverance, professional growth, and passion for student success.
Meet Our New Leaders Who Rose Through the Ranks:
Dr. Jackie McFarland | Director of Support Services
We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Dr. Jackie McFarland, the proud principal of West Hills Elementary School, to the position of Director of Support Services for Meridian Public Schools!
From Principal to Director: A Well-Earned Advancement
With over 25 years of dedicated service to our students and community, McFarland has led West Hills Elementary School with passion, purpose, and a relentless focus on student success.
Now, she will bring that same drive and leadership to a district-wide role—overseeing critical areas such as student services, counseling, health, safety, discipline, attendance, and more. As Director of Support Services, Dr. McFarland will play a key role in ensuring all students and schools are equipped with the resources and structures they need to thrive.
“I’m honored to continue serving the district in this new capacity and to support the success and well-being of every child, every day,” said Dr. McFarland.
Please join us in congratulating Director McFarland on this exciting new chapter!
#wearemeridian #DistrictStrong #FromPrincipalToDirector
Janiqua Beasley | West Hills Elementary Principal
We are excited to announce the promotion of Janiqua Beasley, Ed.S. from Academic Coach to Principal of West Hills Elementary School!
A Visionary Educator with a Passion for Excellence
Janiqua Beasley has been a standout leader in the Meridian Public School District, known for her instructional expertise, data-driven practices, and ability to support and inspire teachers. As an Academic Coach, she played a key role in strengthening teaching and learning across multiple grade levels.
With a career marked by dedication, innovation, and results, Mrs. Beasley now steps into the role of Principal at West Hills Elementary, where her leadership will the school’s era of academic excellence, equity, and student-centered success.
“My hopes are to foster a supportive and engaging culture of academic excellence and inspire young learners to become leaders through curiosity and critical thinking. I also hope to build strong relationships with all stakeholders and stay adaptable by embracing new learning experiences,” said Mrs. Beasley.
👏 Please join us in celebrating Principal Janiqua Beasley, Ed.S.—an inspiring example of leadership, growth, and commitment to student success!
#WeAreMeridian #MPSDLeads #FromCoachToPrincipal
Angel Hibbler | Little Wildcat Pre-K Academy Principal
We are proud to announce the appointment of Angel Hibbler as the new Principal of Little Wildcat Pre-K Academy! Mrs. Hibbler transitions into this role from her position as a District Interventionist, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to early learning success.
From Intervention to Innovation in Early Childhood Education
Throughout her time as a District Interventionist, Mrs. Hibbler has been a powerful advocate for academic support, equity, and student growth—collaborating with teachers across schools to close learning gaps and enhance instruction.
Now, as Principal of the Little Wildcat Pre-K Academy, she will lead with a focus on nurturing young learners, building strong foundations, and fostering a joyful, high-quality early childhood experience for every student and family.
“I am committed to cultivating a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued and excited to learn,” said Mrs. Hibbler.
👏 Join us in congratulating Principal Angel Hibbler on her well-earned promotion and new leadership role!
#WeAreMeridian #FromSupportToLeadership #MPSDLeads
Bettye Jones | Meridian High School Assistant Principal
We are proud to celebrate the promotion of Ms. Bettye Jones from Special Education Case Manager to Assistant Principal at Meridian High School!
A Champion for All Students Steps Into School Leadership
With a career rooted in advocacy, equity, and student-centered support, Jones has been a driving force in special education services across our district. As a Case Manager, she worked tirelessly to ensure that students with exceptional needs received the individualized support and inclusive opportunities they deserve.
Now, she brings that same commitment to excellence and equity into the role of Assistant Principal, where she will help lead instructional planning, school culture, student discipline, and family engagement for the entire school community.
“My professional journey has been dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments. My passion is to ensure all students receive a quality education along with building a cohesive team of educators,” said Jones. “With extensive experience in special education and educational leadership, I am excited to bring my unique skill set in team building and inclusiveness to my alma mater. Forever a Wildcat!”
Please join us in congratulating Assistant Principal Jones on this well-deserved promotion!
#WeAreMeridian #FromCaseManagerToAP #StudentSuccess
Chris Ford | Magnolia Middle School Assistant Principal
We are excited to announce the promotion of Mr. Christopher Ford from Self-Contained Special Education Teacher to Assistant Principal at Magnolia Middle School!
A Leader Rooted in Service and Student Success
Christopher Ford has been a steadfast advocate and educator, making a lasting impact in the lives of students with exceptional needs. His work in the self-contained classroom has been defined by compassion, consistency, and a commitment to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments.
Now, as Assistant Principal at Magnolia Middle School, Mr. Ford brings that same heart, expertise, and leadership to serve the entire student body. His journey from the special education classroom to school administration is a powerful reminder that great leaders are grown from within.
“I would like to assist the principal with creating systems that promote safety, endure strong community collaboration, create mentorship opportunities for our students, provide teachers and students with ongoing celebrations, and create plans to promote continuous improvement,” said Mr. Ford.
Please join us in congratulating Assistant Principal Christopher Ford on this well-deserved achievement!
#WeAreMeridian #FromEducatorToLeader #StudentSuccess #GrowingOurOwn
Henrietta Brown | West Hills Elementary Assistant Principal
We are thrilled to congratulate Henrietta Brown on her promotion from Academic Interventionist to Assistant Principal at West Hills Elementary School!
A Proven Leader in Student Growth and Support
Henrietta Brown has been a driving force behind academic achievement at West Hills, working closely with students, teachers, and families to close learning gaps and promote success for all. Her dedication to personalized learning and data-informed instruction has made a lasting impact on our school community.
Now, as Assistant Principal, Mrs. Brown will expand her influence—helping lead school-wide efforts in instruction, behavior, culture, and family engagement. Her deep understanding of student needs and her unwavering commitment to excellence make her a perfect fit for this new role.
“As an assistant principal, I hope to build strong relationships, support teachers, and assist in creating a positive, inclusive school environment where all students can succeed,” said Mrs. Brown.
Let’s give a round of applause to Assistant Principal Henrietta Brown for this well-deserved promotion!
#WeAreMeridian #FromInterventionToLeadership #GrowingOurOwn
LaVesha Sharp | G.W. Carver Assistant Principal
We are proud to recognize and celebrate the promotion of LaVesha Sharp, Ed.S., from District Academic Coach to Assistant Principal at Carver Elementary School!
A Journey Rooted in Growth, Dedication, and Service
LaVesha Sharp began her educational journey with Meridian Public School District seven years ago as an alternate route teacher, bringing heart, determination, and a hunger to make a difference in the classroom. Since then, she has steadily climbed the ranks—most recently serving as a District Academic Coach, where she supported instructional excellence across multiple schools.
Now, as Assistant Principal at G.W. Carver Elementary, Mrs. Sharp brings a wealth of experience in teaching, coaching, and leadership to support students, staff, and families with the same passion and purpose that have defined her career from day one.
“As a new assistant principal, my hope is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students by creating a warm, supportive environment where every child feels seen, heard, and encouraged to reach their full potential. I also look forward to building strong relationships with staff, students, and families, and growing as a leader alongside an incredible school community,” said Mrs. Sharp.
Please join us in congratulating Assistant Principal LaVesha Sharp, Ed.S. on this well-earned promotion and continued commitment to excellence in education!
#WeAreMeridian #GrowingOurOwn #MPSDLeads #FromTeacherToLeader
