New State Superintendent begins work in Mississippi

MISSISSIPPI ( WKRG ) — Dr. Lance Evans began his duties Monday as state superintendent of education in Mississippi, the Mississippi Department of Education announced.

Dr. Evans succeeds Dr. Raymond Morgigno, who served as the state’s interim superintendent from July 2023 through June 2024.

The state board of education picked Dr. Evans in December 2023 after a national search.

The state senate unanimously confirmed Dr. Evans’ appointment in March.

Dr. Evans’ education career began over two decades ago, and he’s served Mississippi students as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and district superintendent.

He was the New Albany School District superintendent and led the district to an A-rating for five straight years, a top 10% ranking among state school districts, and a workforce development program for students through career and technical education programs and partnerships with local businesses.

“I am honored and humbled to begin my service today as state superintendent of education,” Dr. Evans said. “I look forward to collaborating with educators, stakeholders, and communities to create new pathways for our graduates to achieve success in college, their careers and life.”

Dr. Evans outlined six primary goals for education in Mississippi upon the beginning of his tenure:

1. “Updating the State Board Strategic Plan with stakeholder input to reflect current priorities for public education
2. Restructuring support for low-performing districts by establishing a department within the MDE to focus on improving student outcomes and preventing the need for a state takeover
3. Integrating workforce development and career and technical education through strong partnerships between districts and private businesses and industries
4. Examining the accountability system to incentivize districts’ focus on workforce development
5. Addressing the teacher shortage by assisting districts with recruiting and retaining teachers
6. Increasing enrollment in public schools by creating equitable systems that attract families back to public education”

“Educating 21st-century students requires innovative approaches and a diverse range of strategies to ensure every student can succeed,” Dr. Evans said.

“Success looks different for each student. It is our responsibility as educators to create multiple, flexible paths to achievement. All students deserve the opportunity to find their own route to success without encountering dead ends.”

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