MCSD region chief leaving for leadership position at a Columbus school
For the second time in a week, a Muscogee County School District administrator is leaving the public system for another leadership role at a Columbus private school.
James Wilson, an MCSD region chief, has been hired as the dean of students for students in grades 8-12 at St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School, a new position starting in the 2020-21 school year.
Last week, the Ledger-Enquirer reported Aaron Cohn Middle School principal Richard Green will be the new head of St. Luke School, beginning in July.
Along with Green, Wilson plans to retire from the state system at the end of this school year. Educators can draw retirement benefits from the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia while working in private schools.
As dean of students at St. Anne-Pacelli, Wilson will monitor academic progress and attendance. He will support the faculty by developing classroom management programs, addressing student disciplinary issues and coordinating scheduling. He also will help the athletics director, according to Monday’s news release from the school.
“The Dean of Students will be an essential part of our leadership team,” St. Anne-Pacelli president and high school principal Ronie Collins said in the news release. “Mr. Wilson will be responsible for working closely with students, teachers and parents to maintain a positive school culture that promotes academic and character growth. We are thrilled that he will join our Viking family.”
Collins made a similar decision in 2015, when she retired from MCSD as the district’s chief academic officer and joined St. Anne-Pacelli.
Instead of one assistant superintendent, MCSD has three region chiefs responsible for one-third of the district’s schools and reporting to the superintendent. Wilson has been a member of MCSD superintendent David Lewis’ cabinet for six years. His previous positions include:
- Principal of Northside High School (2007-14) and Midland Middle School (2002-07).
- Assistant principal at Spencer High School and Admiral Moorer Middle School in Eufaula.
- Teacher and basketball coach at Eufaula High School, Columbus High School and Shaw High School.
“My favorite aspect of being an educator is the opportunity it gives me to serve others, especially our teachers and students,” Wilson said in the news release. “It is humbling to receive texts, calls and emails from former teachers, students and their parents to let me know the difference I have made in their lives. The dean of students position at St. Anne-Pacelli will afford me those same opportunities.”
Wilson added, “I’m most looking forward to getting to know the staff and students and building relationships with them. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work in a school that is Christ-centered and where prayer is an integral part of the daily lives of the staff and students.”
Lewis, in an emailed interview with the Ledger-Enquirer, praised Wilson and his work.
“Mr. Wilson has served faithfully and well in every role he has held with the MCSD,” Lewis said. “He is liked and respected by students, parents and colleagues alike. Likewise, he is someone I have come to trust and rely upon for his leadership, managerial and organizational sensitivity. I wish him all the best in his retirement and new position.”
Asked whether he is concerned about this trend of Columbus private schools hiring MCSD educators, Lewis said, “The hiring of public school staff by private schools or other entities is not a new trend. Once eligible for retirement, many MCSD employees seek other employment opportunities while concurrently drawing their state retirement.”
No new region chief has been announced. Lewis said he will start the search for Wilson’s replacement “as soon as possible.”
This story was originally published February 17, 2020 at 1:48 PM.
