As we welcome in the new year in this week, it’s time to take a look back at what 2024 brought to Newton County and our surrounding areas. From introducing new school superintendents to a great deal of athletic success at ECCC, 2024 was a busy and productive year.
Mississippi Supreme Court Rules that Deerfield Estates Roads are Public
The Mississippi Supreme Court affirmed on May 9, 2024, that the main roads within Deerfield Estates subdivision are public, resolving a long-standing dispute between Newton County and the Deerfield Estates Property Owners Association.
The decision upheld the Newton County Chancery Court's judgment from October 2022. The case centered on whether two main roads in the subdivision were private or public.
In 2001, the Newton County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to incorporate these roads into the county road system. However, the roads were never officially registered in the county's road registry, leading to confusion and legal challenges.
In 2020, the Deerfield Estates Property Owners Association filed a complaint seeking clarification on the status of the roads. They argued that the roads were public, citing the board's 2001 decision and the county's actions, which included recording rights of way and allowing unrestricted public access.
Sibley takes the reigns as Superintendent of Education at NCSD
Brooke Sibley transitioned from Assistant Superintendent to her new position of Superintendent of Education at Newton County School District on May 5.
Ms. Sibley began her post as the district’s assistant superintendent in July of 2023. Prior to this appointment, she served the NCSD as Director of Exceptional Students and Accountability, a role she assumed in 2013. Ms. Sibley worked as a principal in the Choctaw Tribal Schools from 2009-2013. Her career in education began in 2002 as a teacher in the Newton County School District.
“I am humbled by the trust and confidence that the NCSD Board has placed in me. My promise to the people of Newton County is to ensure that every student in Newton County receives the best possible education,” said Sibley. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve the families of this community in this capacity and build on the successes we know as Newton County.”
Hansford Returns to UPSD as Superintendent of Education
Tyler Hansford made his return as Superintendent of Education at Union Public School District on July 1 after serving in the same position at Newton County School District for a year. After announcing his resignment from NCSD back in October of 2023, Hansford served out his term until May of 2024.
Dr. Hansford said of his return to Union: “I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to return and lead my home district. It’s a place I truly love for so many reasons. The people here make the difference from students, to staff, to parents, to community. It’s just a special place. I am excited to pick up right where we left off. Our job is to create opportunities for students. It’s as simple as that. Together, we can do it! We already know we can.”
East Central Baseball’s Historic 2024 Season
The East Central Community College Warrior baseball team ended their historic 2024 season just one win shy of playing for a national championship in May, when they lost an elimination game against Brunswick College by a score of 2-1. The Warriors ended the season with a 55-9 record, setting a school record for wins. Other highlights from the season were a number one ranking in the NJCAA Baseball polls for numerous weeks and receiving an at-large bid to their second straight appearance in the Division II World Series.
Newton County Cheerleaders takes Bronze at National Championships
The Newton County High School Cheerleaders returned to Orlando last February to compete in the 2024 National High School Cheerleading Championships, where they finished third in the nation in their division.
Competing in the Small Varsity Non-Tumbling Division II Game Day division, NCHS Cheer placed first in the semi-finals, advancing them straight to the finals, where they competed before a national audience and brought home the bronze.
Four charged in Pinkston murder case
In March, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations made the last of four arrests in connection with the July 6, 2023, murder of Tiarra Pinkston.
The suspects arrested in these crimes were Azayvian Russell, Isaiah West, Antonio Skinner, and J’marion Sherbal. All four have been charged with shooting into an occupied dwelling and capital murder.
On July 6, 2023, 911 dispatch was called in reference to a gunshot wound at 309 Violet St. in the city limits of Newton. Upon arrival the body of Pinkston was found deceased on the couch at her residence from an apparent gunshot wound.
According to family members on the scene after the incident happened, they indicated that several others including children of Pinkston were in the Violet Street apartment, but no other person was hurt during the incident.
Historic dorm at East Central Demolished to make way for a new Cafeteria
Jackson Hall, one of the original buildings constructed on the campus of the former East Central Junior College back in 1928, was demolished in June to make way for improvements to the campus. ECCC announced in December that a new 15,000 square foot cafeteria facility will be developed at the location.
Jackson Hall served as the kitchen and cafeteria for the college and Agricultural High School in its earlier years. Also, the first college classes were taught on the ground floor level in the Fall of 1928, where the temporary classrooms were set up adjoining the “dining hall” and students were served meals “family style” around long tables.
Mississippi Senate Bill requiring NMSD School Board to be elected passes in May; November election brings change to board
Prompted by a resolution from the Newton Municipal School District and the Newton City Board of Aldermen, the Mississippi Legislature passed Senate Bill 2232, a landmark piece of legislation that requires the election of school board trustees in the Newton Municipal School District. The bill, authored by State Senator Tyler McCaughn, aimed to ensure that all taxpayers in the school district, including those living outside city limits, have a voice in school board decisions.
The East Central Planning and Development District was tasked with the strenuous task of developing the school board district lines before the qualifying dates for the November 5 election day. The Newton Board of Aldermen called a special meeting on July 9, where they were presented with the proposed board district lines and unanimously approved adopting the plan and setting a public hearing for August 6. The board later approved the ordinance establishing election districts for NMSD after the public hearing and leaving potential candidates a small window of weeks to qualify to run for school board positions.
Election day on Nov. 5 resulted in only one of the sitting five school board members being elected to the newly elected board, with Machell Walker Frazier defeating Heidi E. Armstrong for the District 1 seat. The District 2 seat was won by Raymond Boutwell over Jhaddaka Leverette; Shannon Moore defeated Christopher Meaders for the District 3 position; Ryan J. Oakley ran unopposed for the District 4 seat; and Jo Beth Bounds defeated Arthur C. Nelson Jr. for the District 5 seat. The newly elected school board meets for the first time on Jan. 13, 2025.
Area Schools Earn High Marks
The release of the 2023-24 accountability results by the State Board of Education brought good news to area school districts,
The Newton County School District received an "A" rating, reflecting the hard work and dedication of students, teachers, and staff. The district earned 750 accountability points, with a graduation rate of 94.1% and high proficiency levels in reading (60.5%), math (74%), and science (73.8%).
The Union Public School District maintained its "A" rating for the sixth consecutive year, securing 750 accountability points and ranking 10th among all Mississippi school districts and charter schools. Highlights include a 95.9% graduation rate and top 20 proficiency in all subjects at Union High School.
Newton Municipal School District also had reason to celebrate after receiving a high graduation rate of 97.3%, ranking it among the top 10 districts in the state. The district has maintained a “B” rating according to the 2023-24 accountability results. The district scored 636 accountability points, with proficiency rates of 33.3% in reading, 41.3% in math, and 58.4% in science.
Lake High School received an outstanding achievement of a “B” rating on the Mississippi Accountability Model in 2024-24, a testament to their unwavering commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement.
And for the first time in the school’s history, Sebastopol Attendance Center attained an “A” rating, an outstanding testament to the dedication and hard work that the teachers, students, and staff contributed to reach the achievement.
East Central Football Plays for MACCC Championship
The East Central Community College football had a special 2024 season where they finished with an 8-3 record, including a 5-1 record in the district. After winning the MACCC South Division, the Warrior’s hosted Holmes in the MACCC Semifinals and won 31-21.
Bailey Stadium was the setting for the MACCC Championship on Nov. 16, where the Warriors hosted Northwest Mississippi and fell by a score of 34-7. After the game, first-year head coach Jonathan Webster said Warrior Football has a bright future.
“I'm incredibly proud of the effort our guys showed down the stretch. The Brotherhood always fights hard, and they proved that once again. It's all you can ask for—young men who continue to give it their all, even in challenging situations," said Webster. "This season has been a special one, finishing 8-3 overall and 5-1 in conference play, and that's a testament to the culture we're building here at East Central. Everyone has worked tirelessly to make this season a success, from the coaching staff to the administration and even the sports information team. But we're far from done. I genuinely believe East Central football is on the rise, and it will be something our community can be proud of for years to come."
