About the Principal
Phone: (601) 987-3591
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Mr. LaRoy Merrick
LaRoy Merrick has spent a decade in JPS working with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Previously, he served as an IB coordinator, responsible for planning and overseeing the implementation and management of the program; coordination of all IB-related activities, including implementing curriculum standards, designing and implementing professional development, overseeing the program of inquiry and unit development, and student recruitment and evaluation efforts; and facilitating the collaborative efforts of the Primary Years Program for grades K-5, Middle Years Program for grades 6-10, and the Diploma Program for grades 11-12. Merrick began his career in JPS in 2011 at Siwell Middle School, Northwest Jackson Middle School, Jim Hill High School, and Wingfield High School. He also has experience in central administration as a coordinator of the District’s New Teacher Induction program.
Merrick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern Mississippi. He completed his Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership at Mississippi College, and he is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at Mississippi College.
Assistant Principal
Phone:
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Denise Thaggard
Denise Thaggard is the Assistant Principal of Walton Elementary School. She has been doing this work for 18 plus years. Mrs. Thaggard has supported scholars and teachers by providing instructional strategies, modeling, and feedback, that enhance teaching and learning. Her career began at Lake Elementary School where she taught, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 1st grade. Mrs. Thaggard also served in the capacity of interventionist at Lake. Her administration journey began at Pecan Park Elementary School where she served as Assistant Principal and was later moved to Walton Elementary School where she currently serve.
Mrs. Thaggard earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Belhaven University. She also earned a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University and has completed all doctoral coursework towards her doctoral degree striving towards completion of her dissertation.
It is a great honor for Mrs. Thaggard to serve at Walton where she attended elementary school.