For the District

This morning we’re visiting with Tony Black — a name synonymous with Jackson athletics and community recreation. You know him from his years as Director of the TR White Sportsplex and, for the past two decades, as the Executive Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Jackson. Today, we’re excited to share some big news: Tony is bringing his leadership and experience to JMCSS, where he will serve as our first full‑time districtwide Athletic Director.

Team 38301C High Voltage from Madison Academic Magnet High School is gearing up for the global stage as they head to the 2026 VEX V5 Robotics World Championship in St. Louis. We’ll preview the event with Engineering Design teacher and robotics coach Kyle Wallace, along with High Voltage team members Landon Smith, Nicholas Blondet, and Elijah Benson.

Today, we’re discussing the LOOP (Local Options and Opportunities Program). This initiative is a unique work-based learning opportunity in which students attend a modified school day for academic credit, followed by a work-based experience at their industry placement for the remainder of the day. This experience takes place at the industry site instead of the traditional high school. Our guests include: Nicholas Harris, JMCSS District Support Advisor for Workforce Development; Amari Ingram of North Side; Astria Godwin of North Side; Lyla Cox of South Side; Elly Ann Ruthledge of JASA and Bryan Hart of Liberty.

Dr. JacQuene Rainey, President of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Jackson (& JCM Class of 1990 graduate) joins us for Episode 106 of the JMCSS podcast—For the District. She’ll discuss the three most popular programs on the TCAT campus and share what fueled her journey from manufacturing to higher education.

Our guest this week are Brent McNeal, SS Athletic Director & Head Coach of the Lady Hawks basketball team –along with Jeremy Simmons, JCM Dean of Students & Head Coach of the Lady Cougars basketball team

Jackson City Councilman Johnny Dodd, City Council, is sponsoring the “Men on the Move Tour,” a community engagement initiative aimed at supporting and encouraging young men. Kickoff at Jackson Central– Merry High School. The event is scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026, at 6:30 a.m. at 332 Lane Avenue, and then…Isaac Lane, on January 23, at 7:30 a.m., 746 Lexington Ave

Well, it’s the season for - Open Enrollment. That’s right - it’s time for 8th graders to select their high schools; and it’s also time for students in other grades to consider magnet programs and speciality schools throughout the district. To assist us in this conversation, we’ve invited Rhonda Heard Bigham, District Advisor for Counseling and Open Enrollment, Katrina Taylor, Innovation Impact Coordinator, and Heather Denham, Professional School Counselor at Rose Hill Pre-K Schools.

In this episode, we highlight the power of Career and Technical Education through an inspiring conversation with retired Navy Commander Dr. Guy Delahoussaye, Senior Naval Science Instructor at South Side High School. After graduating high school with three options laid out by his parents, Dr. Delahoussaye chose the U.S. Navy, navigating the rising costs of college and discovering how his talent in mathematics could shape his future. A graduate of Tulane, Florida State, and the University of Memphis, he now draws on his military and educational experiences to guide and inspire ROTC and Personal Finance students, helping them chart their own paths to success.