The Aberdeen School District has approved its second interim superintendent in as many weeks.
District officials named Candi Moore-Saul interim superintendent after removing Joseph Stone from the post a mere two days after he was handed the position. According to Stone, he was stripped of the interim title after officials determined that he did not meet certain state eligibility requirements. The Mississippi School Board Association clarified Stone’s remarks, stating that it did not play a role in the selection of the district’s top education official.
As for Moore-Saul, district leaders boast that she has 25 years of experience in public education. The new interim superintendent’s professional experience includes six years as a classroom teacher, five as an assistant principal, ten as a principal, and four as a director of curriculum and instruction. The highlight of her career is transforming a failing school district into a successful one as a principal.
“As Interim Superintendent, Mrs. Moore-Saul is committed to leading with integrity, transparency, collaboration, and accountability,” a release from the Aberdeen School District reads. “She believes every decision should be centered on what is best for students and looks forward to working alongside the Board of Trustees, district employees, families, and the Aberdeen community to continue moving the district forward.”
Moore-Saul holds an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership from Union University in Tennessee and is a graduate of the Mississippi School Boards Association Superintendent Academy.
She has been recognized as a SWIFT Transformational Leader for advancing systemic school improvement and developing inclusive educational practices. In addition, her work has been featured nationally by the SWIFT Center, highlighting the successful implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Professional Learning Communities to improve student achievement and strengthen schoolwide systems.
The new interim superintendent takes over after the district’s board of supervisors let go of Dr. Andrea Pastchal-Smith earlier this month following a four-year stint with her leading the district. The board did not publicly weigh in on its decision to relieve Pastchal-Smith of her duties.