Dr. Nelson’s career in education spans 31 years in public school education. Her experiences include classroom teacher for 13 years, assistant principal, curriculum specialist, and elementary principal for 10 years. She is currently the Director of Elementary Education and Federal Programs in the Biloxi Public School District, an “A” rated school district.
Dr. Nelson earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi. In her role as Federal Programs Director, she has managed million-dollar budgets and has partnered with agencies such as the Kellogg Foundation and the Keesler Air Force Base to bring grants into the district, which benefitted students and teachers. Dr. Nelson has also been active in the community by utilizing her grant writing skills to secure a community grant to support literacy and English Language acquisition and GED attainment. All the elementary schools under her supervision are rated “A” or “B”.
The Board members worked with the Mississippi School Boards Association in the superintendent search process. After a three-week search time frame, there were 13 applicants from inside and outside the state. The Board set prior documented leadership in a successful school district, experience in improving academic achievement, experience in a school or district with a high ELL student population, the ability to develop a climate of trust and openness with all stakeholders, and visibility in the schools and the community as key characteristics for the new superintendent. Charles Longmire, FMSD Board President, stated, “After a nationwide search for the best-qualified candidate to lead the district in a positive direction, the board has chosen Dr. Melanie Nelson. She possesses proven leadership skills and a working knowledge of how to improve student achievement.
The Board members look forward to partnering with her to serve the students of FMSD. The Board is also appreciative of the input from the faculty, staff, and community members during the search process.” Dr. Nelson is a 2018 graduate of the MSBA Prospective Superintendents Academy. She received the Service to the Community and Continued Education to East Biloxi Award in 2021 and was presented with the National Association of Federal Program Administrators State Leadership Award in 2020. She is a member of several professional and community organizations.