The Gazebo Gazette
MISSISSIPPI (GG) — The Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) is pleased to announce its executive officers and directors for the 2025–2026 term. The Harrison County School Board Member Dr. Barbara Thomas has been chosen to represent the Fourth Congressional District for a one year team on the MSBA Board of Directors.
New members were elected on November 18, 2025, by the MSBA Delegate Assembly during the Fall Leadership Conference. The Delegate Assembly, a group representing school board members from across Mississippi, elected the following to serve during the 2025–2026 term:
Executive Officers:
- President: Sondra Odom, Board President, Pearl Public School District
- Vice President: Etta Taplin, Board Member, North Pike Consolidated School District
- Secretary-Treasurer: Leslie King, Jr., Board Vice President, Marshall County School District
- Past President: Dr. Delores McNair, Board President, Hattiesburg Public School District
“It is an honor being elected to serve as President of the Mississippi School Board Association,” said Sondra Odom. “Over the years, MSBA has served a vital role in training and educating school board members to effectively lead their districts to be successful in the ever-changing world of public education. I am excited for the privilege to represent other board members in this role and to be a part of this organization.”
The MSBA Board of Directors consists of 20 members. President Odom has appointed the following directors to serve one-year terms:
Congressional District 4:
- Dr. Barbara Thomas, Executive Secretary, Harrison County School District
- Jerry Frazier, Board Secretary, Pearl River County School District
- Dr. Jennifer Seal, Board President, Hancock County School District
These newly appointed and elected officers and directors bring deep experience and a strong commitment to advancing the governance capacity of local school boards statewide. Together, they will provide strategic direction for MSBA, champion school board training and development, and advocate for policies that support student success.
“The MSBA Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the vision and work of the association,” said Dr. Denotris R. Jackson, MSBA Executive Director. “Their leadership and dedication to public education will help ensure we continue to meet the needs of our members and strengthen Mississippi’s public schools.”
(Photo by Hunter Dawkins/The Gazebo Gazette via Associated Press)
