JANS – Jackson Public Schools has appointed new school administrators at eight of the district’s schools for the 2025-2026 school year. Michaela Barnes (Bates), Dr. Bridney Pope (Peeples), and Natasha Simmons (Galloway) will be serving as JPS principals for the first time in the upcoming school year. Additionally, veteran JPS educator and administrator, Alfie Clark, will be returning to the school level to serve as the director at Wells APAC.
Bates Elementary
Michaela Barnes brings over a decade of teaching and leadership experience to her new role. Previously, she served as Assistant Principal at Spann Elementary School, providing support for academic and operational leadership. She has served as a curriculum lead specialist at the district level. In a full-circle situation, she is returning to Bates where she served as a teacher/leader from 2014-2018. She holds multiple degrees from Mississippi College, including master’s and specialist degrees. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership…