On July 1, 2021, Isaac “Ike” Leon Haynes Jr., the first African American superintendent in Jefferson Davis County’s history, returned as superintendent of the Jefferson Davis County School District. From January 2008 to June 2014, he worked tirelessly and aggressively to improve the Jefferson Davis County School District. He inherited the Jefferson Davis County School District in turmoil and disarray because of the misuse of 16^th section funds and low student achievement. Because of his boots-on-the-ground leadership style, Jefferson Davis County School District is a model for transformation, having been removed from state control in record time. Jefferson Davis County School District became a C-rated district under his leadership in 2011 and has maintained steady performance since that time. Before returning to Jefferson Davis County School District, Mr. Haynes served as school superintendent in Canton Public Schools. While there, he championed a successful $33,500,000.00 school bond passage with 67% of the community’s support that built three new schools and created a 1-1 initiative at Canton High School. He also served as assistant superintendent in Holmes County School District.

Mr. Haynes has a diverse educational background, having served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal. Mr. Haynes was also a member of Governor Ronnie Musgrove’s staff and has experience in private business. Mr. Haynes earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Alcorn State University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Jackson State University, and further studies at the University of Southern Mississippi toward earning a Ph.D. in Higher Education. Mr. Haynes is a member of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), Mississippi Association of School Superintendents (MASS), National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE), Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and a recipient of the John A. Peeples award for his lifetime contributions to the field of education.

As superintendent of Jefferson Davis County School District, Mr. Haynes believes that the key to positioning Jefferson Davis County School District as a consistent high performing district will be the embracing of the “Jaguarway” which encompasses the three core values of having “Positive Attitudes” about working with children, demonstrating “High Expectations” of every stakeholder, and ensuring “Accountability” is the standard measure for each employee doing his or her job on behalf of the children. He guides this process by being a visible visionary, effective communicator, and enthusiastic advocate for the children of Jefferson Davis County.