Administration

Principal

Dr. Shevonne McDuffy-Oatis

Dr. Shevonne Loretta McDuffy-Oatis, affectionately known as Dr. Mc-O, has been appointed as the interim principal of McLeod Elementary School.

Dr. Mc-O has dedicated her career to education in the Jackson Public School District since 2000. Her journey began with student teaching at Clausell Elementary and Brinkley Middle School. Over 16 years at Walton Elementary, she served in various roles, including third-grade teacher, literacy coach, and interventionist. In 2016, she transitioned to Central Office, first as District Lead Interventionist and most recently as Program Implementation Manager in the Office of School Support.

Known for her versatility, Dr. Mc-O takes pride in her cross-functional contributions beyond her primary role. She has supported multiple areas, including Teaching and Learning, Climate and Wellness, Summer Reading, Instructional Technology, Public Engagement, and the JPS Parent Center. Her responsibilities have included supporting elementary schools with district programs and developing strategies for implementing Mississippi Comprehensive Automated Performance-based System (MCAPS) plans. Additionally, she has played a key role in organizing district events such as the Annual Summer Reading Kickoff and has served as co-director for various district-level video productions.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Mc-O has received numerous accolades. These include the 2000 HEADWAE Student Honoree Award from Jackson State University, the 2016 JPS Outstanding Educator Award, the 2022 District Support Staff of the Year Award, and the Teacher Education Leadership Faculty Award for Outstanding Doctoral Graduate in Education Leadership from Mississippi College.

Assistant Principal

Mrs. Melinda Wilcher

Hello McLeod Elementary students, parents, and staff,

My name is Melinda Wilcher, and I'm incredibly honored and excited to introduce myself as your Assistant Principal. With 24 years in education, I've had the privilege of serving as a classroom teacher, an Interventionist, and an Interim Principal. These experiences have shown me the immense power of a strong school community and the incredible potential that lies within each student.

I am a firm believer in creating a supportive and collaborative environment where every child feels valued, challenged, and inspired to learn. My goal is to work alongside all of you—students, families, teachers, and staff—to build on the wonderful foundation that already exists here at McLeod.

I am eager to meet each of you and partner with you to make this a truly fantastic school year.

Go Mustangs!