Superintendent's Message
Cougar Families,
It is truly my honor to serve as Superintendent of Education in the Newton County School District. I am quite familiar with the tradition of excellence that exists here academically and in extracurriculars. I look forward to working with everyone to expand upon that tradition as we look to constantly create opportunities for students, and, in turn, our community. My commitment to you is to never stop working and looking for opportunities to improve. In my opinion, good is the enemy of great. Our children deserve the very best we can provide for them in everything. My approach is pretty simple…we put students first! In the coming weeks and months, we will work together as school staff, school board, parents, and community members to craft a strategic plan that puts students first and guide our work in the school district. In the meantime, I will operate with 5 simple personal goals. They are:
- Provide safe, civil, and healthy learning environments
- Prioritize students as the center of all efforts
- Provide superior academic opportunities for all students
- Provide top quality educators who prioritize developing the whole child
- Engage the community in the work of its school
I also am asking parents to commit to 3 simple goals. They are:
- Work alongside school staff as partners in pushing students toward excellence
- Prioritize school attendance
- Communicate the importance of a good education to students
I am so excited about this school year. It’s a new opportunity for me as a superintendent and a different opportunity for NCSD. I look forward to chasing excellence together in every facet. Kids deserve it! Go Cougars
All the best,
Tyler C. Hansford, Ed.D.
About the Superintendent…
The School Board of Newton County Schools announced the appointment of Dr. Tyler Hansford as Superintendent of Education for the Newton County School District on April 25, 2023.
Prior to being appointed at Newton County, Dr. Hansford served as Superintendent in the Union Public School District for 5 years. Before that, he served as Principal of Union Middle School. Hansford began his career in education at Union High School teaching science courses and serving as department head.
Dr. Hansford’s doctoral work and dissertation were completed at William Carey University in 2020. His research interests include building academic success in rural schools. He also holds an educational specialist degree from William Carey in instructional leadership. Hansford’s master’s level work and administrative certification was completed at Arkansas State University and he holds a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University.
In addition to college coursework, Hansford has completed several leadership development programs in preparation for his role as superintendent. Those include:
National Center on Education and the Economy
- High Performing Systems Design — 2019-2020
National Institute for School Leadership
- Superintendent Academy — 2017-2018
Mississippi School Boards Association
- Superintendent Academy — 2017-2018
National Institute for School Leadership
- Executive Development Program — 2015-2016
Dr. Hansford is a member of several professional organizations and holds leadership responsibilities. Those include:
Mississippi Association of School Superintendents
- Executive Board Secretary
Mississippi Rural Education Association
- Co-Chair of Board
National Rural Education Association
- Lead State Affiliate
- Member
East Mississippi Center for Educational Development
- Vice President
Mississippi Association of School Administrators
- Member
Mississippi Professional Educators
- Member
Dr. Hansford is married to the former Brandi Covington. They have two daughters: Camryn (4th grade) and Demi (newborn).