Union Public School District Names Dr. Kim Benton Interim Superintendent

UNION, Miss. — The Union Public School District Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Kim S. Benton as the district's interim superintendent, effective August 17, 2026.

Dr. Benton will succeed Dr. Tyler Hansford, who is leaving the district after accepting a position with the Department of Educational Leadership at Mississippi State University.

A highly respected educator, Dr. Benton brings more than 40 years of experience in Mississippi public education. Throughout her distinguished career, she has served as a teacher, principal, district administrator, university professor, state education leader, and nationally recognized educational consultant.

Most recently, Dr. Benton served as Mississippi's Interim State Superintendent of Education after previously holding the position of Chief Academic Officer for the Mississippi Department of Education. During her tenure, she helped lead major statewide initiatives, including the implementation of the Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards, the Literacy-Based Promotion Act, the Early Learning Collaborative Act, and revised graduation requirements. Those efforts contributed to Mississippi's nationally recognized improvements in student achievement.

Before serving at the state level, Dr. Benton held several leadership positions within the Meridian Public School District. She has also continued supporting school districts across Mississippi as a university professor, educational consultant, and mentor to educational leaders.

The Union Public School District Board of Trustees expressed confidence that Dr. Benton's experience, leadership, and dedication to student success will provide a strong foundation as she guides the district during the leadership transition.