Raymond, Miss. – The Hinds County School District (HCSD) School Board has been named a Board of Merit by the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) for the 2024 to 2025 school year. This honor is awarded to school boards that collectively earn 100 or more MSBA approved training hours during the academic year. The HCSD School Board exceeded this benchmark by completing an impressive 132 hours of training.
In addition to the Board of Merit distinction, each HCSD School Board member received an individual award through MSBA’s Master Circle Honors Program, which recognizes trustees who earn 24 to 29 hours of approved training, well beyond the six hours required by the State of Mississippi. The honorees include:
Dr. Linda Laws - 27 hours
Dr. Carolyn Samuel - 27 hours
Robbie Anderson - 27 hours
Kayla Banger - 26 hours
Mary Killingsworth - 25 hours
The MSBA Center for Board Development (CBD) Honors Program is designed to celebrate school board members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to professional growth and effective governance. These training sessions cover critical areas such as policy development, finance, ethics, and strategic planning, skills that directly support student success and district performance.
“Our School Board’s dedication to continuous learning reflects their deep commitment to excellence in education,” said Dr. Mitchell Shears, Superintendent of Hinds County School District. “Their investment in professional development ensures strong leadership and better outcomes for every student in our district.”
MSBA annually recognizes school boards, individual trustees, and superintendents for their diligence in earning governance training hours. These honors underscore the importance of ongoing education in fostering accountability, innovation, and student achievement.
For more information about MSBA and its training programs, visit www.msbaonline.org.