Newly hired HPSD superintendent resigns on first day

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The following is a statement from HPSD Board President.

"Dr. Janice Johnson has submitted her resignation citing personal and family obligations that would prevent her from effectively fulfilling her responsibility as superintendent. While disappointed by her decision, the Board accepted her resignation.

Dr. Robert Williams will be stepping in immediately to lead the district as interim-superintendent. Dr. Williams has many years of experience in education and the military. He has been an administrator known for integrity and efficiency, and has earned the respect of his peers and coworkers across the district and state.

He has completed the Mississippi School Board Association’s Prospective Superintendent Leadership Academy and was one of the candidates in the Superintendent search. Because of his wealth of experience, knowledge of the district and administrative skill set, we are confident in his ability to lead the district in this new role as interim-superintendent."

Director of Communications, Jas N Smith said Dr. Williams was an original candidate during the superintendent search.

"The board was familiar with his background and they felt comfortable that he can come on board and lead the district especially right now as we head into a new school year" said Smith.

According to Smith the board does not know yet how long Dr. Williams will serve as interim-superintendent.