Mexico School District Announces Retirement Of Superintendent

The following press release was sent from the Mexico School District on Friday, January 19, 2024.

The Mexico School District announces the retirement of Mrs. Melissa Chastain, effective June 30, 2024.

Mrs. Chastain has dedicated most of her educational career to the district, serving Mexico Schools for 19 years.

Under her leadership, she has impacted the lives of countless students, staff, and families.

During her superintendent tenure, Mrs. Chastain has overseen numerous initiatives, including the implementation of the district’s strategic plan and alignment with MSIP6.

She has focused on strengthening community and parent-school relationships as a key player in education initiatives with Partners for Rural Impact (PRI).

Mrs. Chastain has enhanced the district’s commitment to academic excellence and instilled a love of learning in others.

Her dedication to ensuring the success and well-being of all students has been a driving force behind her leadership.

To accomplish this task, Mrs. Chastain is known as an avid supporter of her staff members, championing their work in the classroom and community.

Board President Keith Louder shared, “On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to thank Mrs. Chastain for her years of dedicated service to the Mexico School District. We wish her the very best in retirement.”

During her time at Central Office, Mrs. Chastain also served as Interim Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent.

She was the Principal of Hawthorne Elementary School for five years and served for two years as the Assistant Principal at Eugene Field.

Other roles included a district reading coach, special education teacher, and process coordinator.

Mrs. Chastain expressed her gratitude, sharing, “I have been so blessed to work alongside amazing educators during my time here in this district.

I am truly honored to have worked with some of the greatest colleagues in education.

The staff has worked tirelessly to focus their efforts on student learning, which will continue over time. I am proud of the relationships that I was able to foster and develop over the years with the students, staff, parents, and community members.”

The Board of Education accepted Mrs. Chastain’s retirement during an executive session of the January board meeting.

Mrs. Chastain will continue to serve the district until her retirement on June 30, 2024.

The Board of Education and district will publicize any information regarding a search for the next superintendent as decisions are made.