MONTGOMERY, Alabama (WSFA) – November marks the beginning of new leadership for Montgomery Public Schools. Jamie Wilson is taking the reins following the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Melvin Brown.

“I’m really passionate about supporting our youth,” Wilson said.

Jamie Wilson has worked in education for 20 years and is no stranger to Montgomery Public Schools either.

Before being selected by the Montgomery County Board of Education as interim superintendent, she served as Chief of Staff for two years under former Superintendent Melvin Brown.

“I have been able to do a lot of the day-to-day life. I understand what the needs of our students, families and our staff are, but I also understand that it is a lot of work,” Wilson said.

Wilson says she is determined to keep the momentum MPS has going. She says they’ve made great strides in implementing new curriculum focused on reading and math, increased support for teachers, and introduced middle school sports thanks to a partnership with the city.

“It will help create a more positive environment for students. We want them to feel like they have a sense of belonging. And those are areas that we really try to work hard on,” Wilson said.

She says there are still opportunities for growth to recruit and retain teachers, improve student scores in reading and math, and decrease chronic absenteeism.

“We want to make sure that we provide emotional support to students, that any mental health services that we can provide to our students also make them feel safe and make them want to come to school,” Wilson said.

Another goal is to cultivate family and community partnerships.

“We understand that it takes a village. So I think the first thing is to make sure that we provide the right space for our families to feel comfortable,” Wilson said.

Wilson believes that for MPS to be successful it has to be united with local leaders and the community.

The school board is expected to hire a consulting firm to conduct the search for a new permanent superintendent and the public will have the opportunity to provide input.

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