When the Newton Municipal School District 2025 school year begins on July 31, it will be doing so with new leadership after the retirement of Dr. Glenda Nickson on June 30. And while Cola Shelby is new to the position of superintendent, she is certainly no stranger to the students, staff, and community of the district.
Merely a week from the beginning of the school year at Newton Municipal School, Shelby and her staff have been busy closing out the prior school year and preparing for the upcoming year. Amongst all that, there are several improvement projects going on throughout the campus this summer that need to be finalized prior to school starting. So, one would say Shelby’s first few weeks as superintendent has been frantic. But it’s nothing new to her, because she’s prepared for this moment since arriving on campus in 2001.
My Heart is With the Kids
Shelby, who is from Bay Springs, recently ended her 24th year with NMSD. And what more of a fitting way to enter your silver anniversary with the school district than as the superintendent.
“I’ve been a teacher, a counselor, an assistant principal, a principle, and a couch,” said Shelby. “Then I came over to the district office and became the federal program director, and then assistant superintendent. So, I’ve been here a while. I’ve taught kids in the community now, and I see their kids going to school here. And it’s been an awesome experience being here so long.”
Through the years, Shelby said that she’s had opportunities to move on, but why do that when she’s at the place that’s captured her heart and passion. The district where she got her start and hopefully where she’ll complete her career.
“What I love so much about this district is the kids and the people. They have always welcomed me with open arms. They’re just so friendly,” Shelby exclaimed. “Even though I wasn’t from Newton, they have always welcomed me because they know my heart is with the kids. My main goal, and my priority, has always been what is best for the kids.”
With the relationship she has built with both students and parents in her 24 years with NMSD, Shelby said one priority is to continue that open door policy as superintendent, so parents can continue to easily come and talk to her.
A goal for her first year as superintendent is student achievement, which will rely strongly on her open-door policy to continue to make stronger relationships with community and families and try to get them involved more in the education of the students.
Another goal is to improve safety for students. Along with a new roof and ceilings at the elementary school and new HVAC systems in some pods and in the high school gym, new secure doors have been installed for the safety of students.
Shelby’s final goal for the school year is to maintain and balance school funds.
“We want to make sure we are where we need to be because you never know what’s coming,” said Shelby. “You always have to plan for the future. So, we have to maintain our funds are balanced, but at the same time, we still have to make sure that our scholars get what they need.”
Long term goals that Shelby has set is improving school buildings and the district’s accountability rating after maintaining a “B” rating.
“I want to take what we have and continue to grow. Get it up to an “A”, get more programs and classes for our students so they’ll have more opportunities,” she said. “We’re already doing a whole lot with our dual enrollment. A lot of our kids, when they graduate from high school, already have an associate’s degree because several of our kids starts taking college courses during their sophomore year.”
Other goals that Shelby has set as superintendent include leading with vision and purpose, driving student achievement and equity, empower school leaders, foster a positive and safe school culture, communicate with clarity and consistency, be visible and engaged, and form partnerships.
It’s an Incredible Honor
With the first day of school racing closer by the day, Shelby said she’s excited and grateful for the NMSD School Board for giving her this opportunity.
“It’s an incredible honor. It’s a call to lead with purpose, to serve with integrity & to make decisions that impact the lives of children, families, & communities every single day. Our students deserve the very best,” Shelby said. “I’m committed to leading with transparency, courage, & heart. With the help of administrators, teachers, parents, & communities together we will continue to build something meaningful for our students and the future of our district.”
