After an extensive search led by the Mississippi School Board Association, Dr. Glenn Joseph Dedeaux has been selected as the new superintendent of the Greenville Public School District.
A special called meeting of the GPSD Board of Trustees was held Thursday to finalize the search and decide upon the incoming leadership.
Dr. Debra Dace’s successor, who was unanimously decided upon, will officially execute his duties as superintendent July 1, 2022.
Board trustee Drew Newsom was absent for Thursday’s meeting.
According to GPSD trustee and superintendent search spokesperson Jan Vaughn, “Student Success is the Only Option” will be Dr. Dedeaux’s driving mantra, redirecting the focus of GPSD on academic excellence.
“This superintendent search has been long and required patience to secure the best of the best. After receiving 22 applications, Dr. Dedeaux was chosen unanimously by the GPSD board of trustees and has agreed to a three year contract with a yearly salary of $160,000,” said Jan Vaughn. “The board has remained adamant that we must improve the district’s accountability rating and provide our children with a quality education.”
Vaughn also highlighted Dedeaux’s experience with ESSER projects and looks forward to his leadership and guidance as the district moves forward in improving all of its schools so that they will be conducive to the learning experience of students.
“We are extremely elated about all of the possibilities and success ahead of GPSD,” she added.
Board President Antoinette Williams, stated, "We are excited to welcome Dr. Dedeaux back home. This has been a long time coming and we are eager to move on up.”
Dedeaux currently serves as assistant superintendent of the Columbus Municipal School District. He previously served as GPSD’s deputy superintendent from July 2017 to July 2019.
He has amassed 31 years of experience in education beginning as a biology instructor at Gulfport High School from 1991 to 1996 and served as summer camp director with the City of Gulfport Department of Leisure Service from 1995-1996.
Following the five years he spent in the classroom, Dedeaux was hired as assistant principal at Biloxi High School from 1997 to 2000.
And, shortly thereafter, accepted the position as principal of Nichols Junior High School in Biloxi.
His “unhidden passion” for seeing students thrive in their professional pursuits led to him being appointed as Director of the Career Technology Center at Biloxi High School from 2002-2012 and as Director of Student Services from 2013-2017.
Dedeaux’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Education in education administration from William Carey University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational administration, leadership, and research from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Trustee Dr. Oliver Johnson stated excitedly, “I’m looking forward to our new leader entrenching himself in the community and working with all stakeholders to the benefit of every child in the district and moving us forward.”
And, trustee Rev. Roy Riley stated, “We look forward to Dr. Dedeaux’s passion being the impetus that transforms the educational system in the Greenville Public School District.”
Vaughn noted a forthcoming meet and greet of which the community will be notified once details are finalized.
