Mr. Eric Jackson, Principal

Eric Jackson will serve as the principal of Blackburn Middle School for the 2023-2024 school year. He is no stranger to Jackson Public Schools, having taught United States History for over ten years at Lanier, Wingfield, and Jim Hill High Schools. As a classroom instructor, he was recognized by the Greater Jackson Chamber as a distinguished teacher in the Chamber's Metro Teacher Recognition Program in 2011.

A 1999 graduate of Natchez High School, Mr. Jackson earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Alcorn State University. He then pursued a Master of Science in Secondary Education from Belhaven University, an Education Specialist from Liberty University, and is currently pursuing his doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Mr. Jackson brings over 20 years of experience to the position, recently serving as principal of Natchez High School. Previously, in the areas of leadership, he worked as an education consultant, served as assistant principal of both Hazlehurst and William Winans Middle Schools, and was the technology coordinator for the Wilkinson County School District.

Mr. Jackson has devoted his career to public education. He believes that his experience is pivotal to him and his team as they not only restore the legacy of Blackburn, but also build on the partnership with Jackson State University to ensure all students and teachers are supported in their daily work at Blackburn.

Phone: 601-960-5329

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mr. Avery Durr

Dean of Students 6th - 8th

Phone: (601) 960-5329

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Dr. Sheila J. Gilmore

7th Grade Assistant Principal

My name is Dr. Sheila J. Gilmore, and I am a part of the administrative team at Blackburn Middle School. I have 28 years of experience in education that includes: Teacher, Team Leader, Librarian, Interventionist, Literacy Coach, Parent Coordinator, Asst. Principal and Summer School Principal. My tertiary education includes Mississippi State University, where I received a bachelor's degree and Mississippi College, where I received my Master's, Specialist and Doctoral degrees respectively. At Blackburn Middle, we strive to develop scholars who are prepared to succeed in the workforce, college and beyond through the attainment of skills in critical reading, writing and thinking. We are very proud of our students, their accomplishments, and the school environment that we strive to create each and every day.

It is our desire that every student has an exciting, positive, and rewarding experience at Blackburn Middle School. We invite you to become an active member of our school community through volunteering and attending and supporting our school activities. Together, we will continue to improve the quality of our school community and provide the very best for the children of Blackburn Middle School.

Phone: (601) 960-5329

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Dr. Cindy Thomas

Dr. Cindy Thomas is the Curriculum and Instruction Assistant Principal at Blackburn Middle School. Her experience in Administration began in 2018 at Hardy Middle School. She has over 24 years experience as an educator, having worked in the Jackson Public School District in many capacities, including as math teacher, instructional coach, and math interventionist. Her diverse background includes providing interventions and support to struggling math scholars and providing teachers with differentiated strategies with entry points for scholars who feel excluded. Even with these amazing experiences, she remains a teacher at heart.

Dr. Thomas is a three-time alumna of Jackson State University, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She also holds a Master of Arts in teaching from Belhaven University. Dr. Thomas is the proud mother of two daughters, Kimber and Kelsey. In her spare time, she enjoys thrift shopping, genealogy research, watching documentaries, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Dr. Thomas is committed to cultivating an atmosphere of excellence at Blackburn and she looks forward to a rewarding and successful school year!