MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – November marks the beginning of new leadership for Montgomery Public Schools. Jamie Wilson takes over after Dr. Melvin Brown resigns.

“I’m very passionate about supporting our young people,” Wilson said.

Jamie Wilson has been in education for 20 years, and she’s no stranger to Montgomery Public Schools either.

Before being selected by the Montgomery County Board of Education as interim superintendent, she served as chief of staff for two years under former Superintendent Melvin Brown.

“I was able to do a lot of day-to-day. I understand what the needs of our students and families and our staff are, but I also understand that this is a tough issue,” Wilson said.

Wilson says she is determined to keep the momentum MPS has. She says they’ve made great strides implementing a new curriculum focused on reading and math, increased support for teachers and introduced sports to middle schools thanks to a partnership with the city.

“It will help create a more positive environment for students. We want them to feel that they have a sense of belonging. So those are areas where we’re really trying to work hard,” Wilson said.

She says there are still opportunities for growth to recruit and retain teachers, improve student scores in reading and math, and reduce chronic absenteeism.

“We want to make sure that we provide emotional support to students, that whatever mental health services we can provide to our students also makes them feel safe and that makes them want to come to school,” said Wilson.

Another goal of hers is to cultivate family and community partnerships.

“We understand it takes a village. So I think the first thing is to make sure we provide the right space for our families to feel comfortable,” Wilson said.

Wilson believes that for MPS to be successful, it must be united with local leaders and the community.

The school board is expected to hire a consulting firm to conduct the search for a new permanent superintendent, and the public will have an opportunity to provide input.

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