VIDEO: Columbus School District Faces New Leadership

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A change in leadership could be coming to the Columbus Municipal School District.

Monday, the school board voted to not renew Superintendent Philip Hickman’s contract in a 3-2 vote.

The school board will begin searching for a new leader for the 2018-2019 school year.

Dr. Hickman’s contract with the district expires June 30th.  School Board President Jason Spears says Dr. Hickman’s position has been discussed before and after looking at where the district is, the board decided to go in a different direction.

After learning his contract would not be renewed, Superintendent Dr. Philip Hickman remained up beat.

“I count it all joy. This is part of God’s perfect plan and I feel I’ve served the district and the students well,” said Dr. Hickman.

Dr. Hickman has been the leading force behind the district for nearly 4 years. Monday’s decision to change leadership, isn’t setting well with one parent.

“Records show that frequent changes stalls children’s education. They can’t grasp one thing before they move to something else or someone else’s ideas,” said Cassandra Bogan.

In the meeting, leaders discussed the surplus of teachers who decided to leave the district before the end of school. That on top of low test scores, the school board started to question the direction of the their schools.

“We were able to review all details to see what kind of position we were in and from there, we were able to decide how we’re able to move forward as a district to provide the best educational opportunities for students in the city of Columbus,” said Board President Jason Spears.

Board President Jason Spears says it’s more then stopping the turnover of teachers. It’s about the district having the best teachers.

“More than keeping teachers, we want recruit high quality teachers that will not only help bring the grades up, but provide the learning environment in a better setting for Columbus,” said Spears.

“We already have a person in place that knows what’s happening. That knows what’s going on and that has the materials to fix our problems,” said Bogan.

Though the board isn’t renewing Dr. Hickman’s contract, Hickman is still able to reapply for the position.

Dr. Hickman did not specify if he will or will not in fact re apply for the position as superintendent.