Administration
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
For more than 20 years, Dr. Deirdre Randall has led a successful career, dedicated to increasing student achievement and providing students with the opportunities they deserve.
Prior to joining Simpson County School District, Dr. Randall was a longtime employee of Columbia School District, where she held the positions of teacher, coach, instructional technology strategist, director of curriculum and instruction, and director of federal programs and human investment.
During her tenure, Dr. Randall was recognized as Teacher of the Year for Columbia High School and as District Teacher of the Year. She also served as board president for the Mississippi Educational Computing Associate, the largest educational technology organization in the state.
Dr. Randall graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi, where she received a Bachelor of Science in history and a minor in education and from William Carey University, where she received master’s, specialist and doctorate degrees in education.
She and her husband Michael have two children, Ty and Sara; a daughter-in-law, Brooke; a son-in-law, Barry; and three grandchildren, Ryles, Peyton and Elizabeth Grace.
Dr. Furlinda Travis
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Operations
Dr. Furlinda Travis is 26-year veteran of the education arena. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State University, master’s degrees from Jackson State University and Belhaven University, and a Doctor of Education from Delta State University.
Dr. Travis’ passion for empowering students, teachers and the community has led her to serve in several leadership roles, including interim assistant superintendent, executive director of professional development and curriculum, federal programs director, literacy specialist, and secondary English Language Arts specialist. She has also served as an educational consultant for Franklin Covey’s Leader in Me in the states of Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas.
Dr. Travis believes that every student can be successful when given the appropriate support. With a deep commitment to teaching and learning, Dr. Travis continues to grow and learn while helping others find and live their passion in life.
School Administrators
MAGEE
Magee Elementary School – Cindy Allbritton, Principal
Magee Middle School – Johnnie Barnes, Principal
Magee High School – Duriel Banks, Principal
MENDENHALL
Mendenhall Elementary School – Tommy Brumfield, Principal
Mendenhall Junior High School – Dr. Maron Lacey, Principal
Mendenhall High School – Dr. Kenitra Ezi, Principal
Simpson County
Simpson Central School – Edward Peckinpaugh, Principal
Simpson County Achievement Center – Romonica Feazell, Alternative Education Coordinator
Simpson County Technical Center – Dr. Keri Armstrong, Director
Dr. Paul Lawrence
Superintendent of Education
Dr. Paul Lawrence became the third appointed Superintendent of Education for Simpson County School District on July 1, 2023.
Leading a successful career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Lawrence has been recognized for his commitment to student success and staff development. For eight years, Dr. Lawrence served as principal of Magee Elementary School, where he and his staff raised the school from a Level F status to a Level B status – the first "B" in the school's history.
Prior to joining Simpson County School District, Dr. Lawrence also worked as a high school social studies teacher, Spanish teacher, assistant principal and principal for schools in the Winona School District and Leake County School District.
A proud alumnus of Mississippi State University, Dr. Lawrence holds a bachelor’s degree in history, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and a doctoral degree in education administration from the university.
He is happily married to wife Carla with whom he has one daughter, Nicole, and three stepchildren, Ashley, Brandi and Matt. He also has seven grandchildren and one grand cat.