Mississippi Public Schools

Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools 

Headquartered at William Carey University

Welcome to Mississippi’s only statewide educational consortium.  PREPS was organized over 40 years ago in 1976 as a non-profit organization dedicated to serving Mississippi Public Schools. PREPS is governed by a board of directors made up of current Mississippi school district superintendents representing the congressional districts. 

Current Board Members: 

Dr. Ken Barron, Yazoo County School District Superintendent
Dr. Amy Carter, Meridian Public Schools Superintendent

Dr. Edward Lee Childress, Corinth School District Superintendent (PREPS president) 

Dr. Matthew L.  Dillon, Petal School District Superintendent

Mrs. Alee' Dixon, Tate County School District Superintendent

Dr. Carla Evers, Pass Christian School District Superintendent

Dr. Tyler Hansford, Union County School District Superintendent

Mr. Jesse King, Leland Public School District Superintendent

Mr. Corey Uselton, Desoto County School District Superintendent

Dr. Eddie Peasant, William Carey University Assistant Dean of School of Education 

Dr. Benigno is currently an associate professor at WCU. He served as the superintendent of the Laurel Schools (2010-2017).  Benigno has been named Who’s Who Among American Teachers, Coach of the Year and was the 2014 Mississippi “Superintendent of the Year”. Dr. Benigno is the author of "Teaching: Excellence or Survival?". He has served as a motivational speaker for schools and corporations across the Southeast.

Dr. Permenter served as a K-12 educator for 28 years and obtained National Board Certification as an Early Childhood Generalist during her tenure. She works with public school faculties and pre-service teachers as the PREPS Associate Director as well as teaches courses as an assistant professor at William Carey University. Additionally, Dr. Permenter serves as the co-chair for the Mississippi Rural Education Association.