Four schools in the Louisville Municipal School District will be headed by new principals and assistant principals when doors open on Friday, August 4th. Louisville Elementary School will now be under the direction of Drew Smith, while Fair Elementary is headed up by Sarah Webb. At Noxapater, Mrs. Gina Smith is the new head principal, and, at Nanih Waiya, Mrs. Suzanne Cain takes over the reins. She has previously served as an assistant principal at NWHS.
David Luke, superintendent of LMSD, expressed his excitement regarding the new leadership within the district. The multiple new hires were the result of moving individuals within the district and the retirement of Noxapater’s principal. Another principal, Cynthia McDonald, was promoted to the position of Curriculum Coordinator at the LMSD Central Office. Luke told the Journal: “We’re excited to begin the new school year with all new administrators in place. Everyone is extremely excited about the upcoming school year.”
Drew Smith- Louisville Elementary School
Drew Smith is a 2008 graduate of Louisville High School, so taking the lead role at LES brings Smith back home. Smith attended both East Central Community College and Mississippi State University, where he earned a degree in Kinesiology. He has taught in both Mississippi and Tennessee, while earning a graduate degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Smith is married to Corrine Smith, and together, they have a daughter, Leighton. In his spare time, Smith enjoys spending time with his family, kayaking, and camping.
When asked about his educational philosophy, Smith replied: “I believe that all of our students can achieve success as long as they give maximum effort, to the best of their ability, while they are here at school.” He added: “Louisville is well-known for championships on the court and the field. It’s time we start bringing that championship mentality into the classroom. The future of our community starts here.”
Sarah Webb- Fair Elementary
Fair Elementary will be under the leadership of Sarah Webb. She comes to the district with seventeen years of experience. Webb began her career in North Carolina as an English teacher; she would later become an instructional coach for high schoolers. The Webb family would move to Mississippi in 2016, and Sarah joined the staff at LMSD. She has worked as an eighth-grade teacher at Eiland Middle School, as a 21st Century grant director for the DREAMS program, and as an ELA instructional coach. She has also served the district as an assistant principal at Noxapater. Webb relates that she is excited to be at Fair Elementary and “being part of the beginning of children’s educational experiences.” She adds, “We have a great, hardworking staff ready to help kids grow and learn.”
When asked about her expectations for the upcoming school year, Webb noted: “We are striving for excellence every day! We are going to do great things at Fair Elementary!”
Gina Smith- Noxapater Attendance Center
Mrs. Gina Smith is no stranger to Noxapater schools, where she taught a wide range of grades and subjects for a number of years. She has worked in the LMSD district as a CAPPS program director and has been a Liaison for the LMSD and MSU partnership. She worked in the Choctaw County schools as an assistant principal and then moved back to LMSD as an assistant elementary principal; she would also serve as a principal for Louisville Elementary School.
Smith is a product of Winston County, where she has lived all her life. She has an astounding 33 years in education, with 12 of those years as an administrator. She graduated from LHS and earned a bachelor’s in Elementary Education in 1991. She would later earn her master’s degree and then pursue her administrative credentials utilizing an alternate route program.
Mrs. Smith is married to Marty Smith and they have two children, Tyler and Carmen. She is also “Gummie” to her granddaughter Sara Carmen.
Smith’s family life revolves largely around horses and “anything rodeo.” She points to her daughter’s philosophy as a guideline for life: “Be kind, help a stranger, and have a Godly attitude.”
Suzanne Cain- Nanih Waiya Attendance Center
Suzanne Cain is no stranger to the students at Nanih Waiya, as she’s been a part of the Warrior family since the 2022 – 2023 school year. This school session, however, Cain will take the helm as the head principal at NWHS.
Cain has more than two decades of educational experience. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Mississippi State University as well as a Master’s. Further educational endeavors include a second Master’s Degree in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary as well as a Specialist in Education from the University of Mississippi. During her career, Cain has worked with districts in Jones County, Newton County, and Tate County before coming to the Louisville Municipal School District.
Cain has also earned the coveted National Board for Professional Teaching certification.
Cain reveals that she is only one of many educators in her family; Cain’s mother, grandmother, and numerous extended family members were teachers. This inspired her to enter the field as well. She has always had a love for children, and Suzanne is a mother of two boys herself. JD is an Ole Miss graduate who is now employed at Southern Pipe and Supply; Dylan is currently a sophomore at Itawamba Community College, where he plays football.
Cain’s love of children prompts her to gently encourage children to be all that they can, whether in academics or extracurricular activities. She also believes in holding high expectations when it comes to either the classroom or athletic competition.
When asked about her newest role, she said, “The Nanih Waiya community has become home, and (my) goal is that every student lives up to their highest potential.” Cain tells her students often, “It’s a great day to be a Warrior,” and she looks forward to another exciting year as an administrator.
