Marvell Hudson, whose two-year contract as superintendent of the East Tallahatchie School District was terminated by the school board Thursday night, hand-delivered a typed, one-page statement to The Sun-Sentinel Friday morning.
In it, he said:
"Leadership sustainability is critical to the overall effectiveness of our school system.
"One year was not enough time to impact real change in our schools. Despite all of the incredible challenges within our district, I believe that all of our institutions of learning will show academic growth. Community members can expect to see state test score results as soon as next month.
"I'm not clear on my next steps. I have a home here in Charleston and I plan on continuing to be active in my community. Some possible goals include working at an institution of higher learning and expanding my calling in the ministry.
"To my community of Tallahatchie County, thank you for giving me an opportunity to lead."
Marvell Hudson is pictured during a community reception held for him on Sept. 16, 2022, two-and-a-half months after he was seated as East Tallahatchie school superintendent. (Photo by Dana Clolinger)
Hudson took office July 1, 2022, and would have begun the second year of his two-year term in a few weeks.
The vote to terminate his contract came in executive session. Hudson said it was a 3-2 decision, with school board members Raymond Radcliff of Education District 8, Darrell W. Neal of Education District 9 and Bryant Watson of Education District 10 voting to terminate.
He is the fifth superintendent to serve in the district within the past decade.
