New leaders announced across the CPSD

Special to The Canton News 

The Canton Public School District recently announced a slate of new leaders for the 2025-26 school year, with district representatives saying the appointments represent a renewed commitment to academic excellence, student empowerment and community-focused leadership. From returning alumni to seasoned educators, district leaders say the new appointments bring vision, experience and passion to their roles.

Dr. Kyairra Thomas named principal of Canton Elementary School

Dr. Kyairra Thomas has been appointed principal of Canton Elementary School (CES). With over twelve years of experience in education, Thomas has served as an administrator, interventionist and teacher. Most recently, she was the assistant principal at Reuben B. Myers Canton School of Arts and Sciences. She also served as an interventionist and fourth-grade teacher at Goodloe Elementary and began her career as an eighth-grade teacher at Whitten Middle School in Jackson and a lead teacher at the Capital City Alternative School.

“With a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, student-centered learning, and cultivating a positive, inclusive school culture, I am eager to bring my leadership experience and passion for education to Canton Elementary School,” said Thomas.

A graduate of Tougaloo College, Thomas also holds a Master of Arts in Education and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Belhaven University, as well as a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College.

She said she is “deeply grateful to be part of such a vibrant, purpose-driven community” and looks forward to building strong partnerships as she equips CES scholars for a future of promise and possibility.

April Anderson appointed assistant principal at Reuben B. Myers Canton School of Arts and Sciences

April Anderson brings more than sixteen years of experience in education to her new role as assistant principal at Reuben B. Myers Canton School of Arts and Sciences. Her previous roles include academic strategist, lead teacher, math coach, interventionist, testing coordinator, and MTSS coordinator in various districts, including Canton.

“I am incredibly honored and thrilled to embark on my new journey as assistant principal at Reuben B. Myers,” Anderson said. “Having spent the last six years as an interventionist within these very halls, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication of our staff, the resilience of our students, and the unwavering support of our parent community.”

Anderson holds degrees from Grinnell College, Mississippi College, Arkansas State University and Jackson State University.

Her leadership philosophy is built on intentionality and empowerment. “What we do most is what we do best,” she said.

Dr. Shelethia Manning McGruder named principal of Nichols Middle School

A familiar face in Canton, Dr. Shelethia McGruder has been named principal of Nichols Middle School. She has worked in education for more than twenty-five years, including twenty within Canton Public Schools. Her roles have included English teacher, coach, assistant principal at both Nichols and Canton High School, and district-level instructional coordinator.

McGruder, a graduate of Canton High School, is deeply invested in her hometown. 

“I am committed to helping district leaders achieve their goals and am also committed to serving students and assisting them in academic and personal growth,” she said.

She holds degrees from Mississippi Valley State University, Nova Southeastern University, and multiple degrees from Mississippi College, including a doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Dexter Brim joins Nichols Middle School as assistant principal

Canton native Dexter Brim has been named assistant principal at Nichols Middle School, where he once walked the halls as a student. Brim has taught history for eleven years and is recognized for his classroom excellence, earning Teacher of the Year honors in 2019, 2022 and 2024.

“It is not only a professional milestone, but also a deeply personal privilege,” said Brim. “I am proud to give back to the community that shaped me.”
Brim earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Jackson State University and a Specialist degree from Arkansas State University. He is known for dramatically improving student proficiency in U.S. history and holds to the belief that “all students are capable of learning.”

Yotunga Grant named assistant principal at Canton High School

Yotunga Grant, a 1998 graduate of Canton High School (CHS), returns to serve as an assistant principal at her alma mater. Grant brings both classroom and administrative experience to her new role.

“I am honored to be back home and to have the opportunity to serve as one of the assistant principals of Canton High School,” Grant said.
She holds degrees from Tougaloo College and Jackson State University and is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment where collaboration and excellence thrive.

“As one of the assistant principals of CHS, my goal is to provide a supportive climate and culture that is conducive to teaching and learning,” said Grant.
The Canton Public School District welcomes these new leaders with confidence and excitement for the academic year ahead. District leaders say their collective expertise and deep commitment to student achievement set a strong foundation for continued growth and success across the district.