For her outstanding leadership and dedicated service, Laurel Magnet School of the Arts Principal Dr. Kiana Pendleton was selected as the Laurel School District’s Administrator of the Year.
“Dr. Pendleton thinks outside of the box and does everything in grand fashion,” said Superintendent Dr. Toy L. Watts. “I’m grateful for her leadership and her ability to create a unique learning environment that is fun and engaging for students.”
Pendleton, along with the work of dedicated students, teachers, staff and parents, moved the school from a B to an A on the 2018-19 state testing results, achieving the highest rating the school has seen on the state’s accountability model in over a decade.
“I could not have received this honor without my teachers, staff, students, parents and my family,” Pendleton said. “I have an amazing team who is supportive, talented and as enthusiastic about teaching and learning as I am.”
Pendleton began her career in education as an America Reads tutor in Jackson, Mississippi. Prior to coming to the Laurel School District in April 2018, she served as a teacher, interventionist and district reading specialist. She is in her second year as principal of Laurel Magnet School of the Arts.
She received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Tougaloo College, Master of Science in mass communications and a Doctorate of Philosophy in educational administration from Jackson State University.
“I love working in education, because I love being a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to educating the children in Mississippi,” Pendleton said. “Education is my passion and when you love what you do every day, you’re more likely to make a positive impact.”
Due to her selection as the Laurel School District’s Administrator of the Year, Pendleton’s nomination will be forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Education Administrator of the Year Program for consideration on the state level.
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Pictured:LMSA Principal Dr.Kiana Pendleton and Superintendent Dr. Toy L. Watts.