Dr. Kathleen Grigsby’s Biography

 In many respects, Dr. Kathleen Grigsby’s fundamental underpinnings as an educator and desire to be an instructional leader are derived from many early experiences. As a child, she was reared in a household with two deaf parents. As a result of their disability, her parents were concerned about their ability to adequately provide the necessary resources and educational reinforcement that hearing parents could. Consequently, educational achievement and academic excellence constantly became a primary focus leading her in the desire to empower others to be a lifelong learner. Dr. Grigsby believes that educators must desire to teach and lead each child to his or her maximum potential through a whole child approach. Educators should balance the focus on academic achievement and one that promotes the long-term development and success of all children. The result of such an approach is each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. 

Dr. Grigsby is known for being a part of varied community involvements which include serving as a commissioner on the Better Together Commission and AdvancED Review Committees. In both roles, she partnered with local citizens, area organizations and institutions, local and national education leaders and experts to help make decisions that positively impact all children. Her ability to lead efforts to create educational transformation in schools assist in identifying assets and gaps with specific recommendations on what is needed to create conviction for all children to thrive. 

Dr. Grigsby’s greatest contribution and accomplishments while in the profession include being the first graduate from Mississippi College’s doctoral program, increasing the scores and accountability grade levels of the schools she served as principal and mentor, and empowering students in their desire to change their school’s name from Jefferson Davis Magnet to a democratically elected Barack Obama Magnet. 

While she is now one of five assistant superintendents serving in Jackson Public School District in Jackson, Mississippi, Dr. Grigsby is clear in her focus on student achievement. As former principal at Marshall Elementary, she moved the school from an F rating to a C rating in three years. As former principal at Davis Magnet IB, she has achieved top rankings in student proficiency every year. Of the many areas that helped Davis Magnet IB achieve an A rating accountability status, she is most proud of the growth of almost 100 points in 2017 leading to a number one ranking. During her leadership, Davis Magnet IB has received the 2017 PREPS Value Added Award in MAP Math and the 2016 Highest Proficiency in MAP Reading. In 2015, the school received the PREPS Value Added Award for ELA and Math. Not only does she provide opportunities for students to excel academically, she also solicits support from the staff and community to host enrichment activities after school including American Sign Language, Spanish, STEM, Girls on the Run, Golfing for Guys, Arts and Crafts, Basketball, Pep Squad, Drama, Tennis, Gardening, Desktop Publishing, Chess, Swimming, Ambassadors, and Beta Club. 

Dr. Grigsby’s personal philosophy of education and teaching, community involvement, contributions and accomplishments and evidence of student achievement have changed the lives of many students and educators during her 20 years in education. Dr. Grigsby’s leadership extends beyond the district she serves. She has been recognized by several organizations, media outlets and colleges and universities for her leadership and collaboration. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She served as part of Columbia University’s Clinical Staff as a Principal Coach, Mississippi College’s dissertation committees, and currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the University of Mississippi School of Education.