Coahoma County Jr./Sr. High School principal Cortney Jackson resigned from her position less than one month into the 2021-22 school year.
Jackson was going into her third year as principal and as with all county educators, she had a contract with the district. It is not known how the district might enforce that contract.
Jackson issued a statement on her resignation Monday morning expressing gratitude to the Coahoma County School District (CCSD) board and interim superintendent Dr. Ilean Richards.
“My resignation was a personal choice,” Jackson said. “I have always and will continue to believe in the mission and vision that Dr. Richards has for the district. My only hope is that the community the district serves rallies around the current leadership and be supportive in their efforts to ensure every student is successful academically.
“I’m just a small town girl from the corner of Grant and MLK Blvd. I’ve surpassed any expectations anyone had of me because of my upbringing,” Jackson continued. “This is only a minor setback for a major comeback.”
Richards did not return a message seeking comment on the situation.
It is believed Jackson applied for an administrative position in the Helena-West Helena School District in Helena-West Helena, Ark.
At a special called Helena-West Helena School District board meeting Monday night, four personnel recommendations were made and approved. Jackson was not on the list of recommendations.
When asked if Jackson applied for a position in the Helena-West Helena School District, superintendent Linda English said, “It's a personnel matter and I'm unable to discuss.”
The Clarksdale Press Register has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Helena-West Helena School District seeking information on whether or not Jackson applied for a position with the district.
English replied to the request saying Jackson had applied but did not say if she was hired by the school in Arkansas.
Teachers and principals sign contracts for a school year and it is not known if the Coahoma County School Board will enforce the contract.
The CCSD board will host its regular meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the new administration building and the position opening is expected to be on the agenda.
