Lee County Schools Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lee County Schools has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operational oversight, financial management, and board governance.

Committed to academic excellence, Lee County Schools provides comprehensive educational services to students from kindergarten through 12th grade across Mississippi. This organization prioritizes student achievement through robust curriculum development and community engagement.

Leadership Roles at Lee County Schools

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mattie Small
  • Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer - Phillip Shackelford
  • Chief Financial Officer - Shereca Anderson
  • President - Jennifer Mangano
  • Mattie Small - Chief Executive Officer

    Mattie Small, the Chief Executive Officer at Lee County Schools, directs the overarching strategic vision for the district. Small manages the implementation of academic standards across all K-12 facilities, ensuring alignment with state educational mandates. By coordinating with regional stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer fosters partnerships that enhance classroom resources and student support systems. Mattie Small monitors performance metrics to drive continuous improvement in instructional quality throughout the Mississippi region. This leadership role involves balancing budgetary constraints with the necessity for high-quality learning environments. Through rigorous oversight of administrative policies, the Chief Executive Officer maintains operational efficiency. Small evaluates district-wide programs to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities for every student. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term success of the district by championing innovative teaching methodologies and maintaining a focus on student-centered outcomes within the broader educational landscape.

    Phillip Shackelford - Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

    Phillip Shackelford, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer at Lee County Schools, manages the daily operational logistics and infrastructure requirements of the district. Shackelford oversees the maintenance of school facilities and the optimization of transportation networks to ensure safe, reliable access for students across the region. The Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with facility managers to upgrade technology and physical learning spaces, directly impacting the quality of the educational environment. Phillip Shackelford drives initiatives focused on campus safety and resource allocation, ensuring that every school site meets rigorous operational standards. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer enhances the capacity of staff to focus on core pedagogical goals. This role requires constant collaboration with district leadership to align physical assets with long-term academic objectives. Shackelford maintains a focus on operational excellence to support the mission of providing high-quality education to all students.

    Shereca Anderson - Chief Financial Officer

    Shereca Anderson, the Chief Financial Officer at Lee County Schools, directs all fiscal planning and budgetary management for the district. Anderson oversees the allocation of state and local funding, ensuring that resources reach classrooms effectively to support K-12 educational services. The Chief Financial Officer monitors expenditures, conducts audits, and maintains financial transparency to uphold the integrity of the district. Shereca Anderson architects long-term financial strategies that stabilize the district against economic fluctuations while prioritizing investments in instructional materials and personnel. By collaborating with the board and executive leadership, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar spent aligns with the strategic goals of the organization. This role involves managing complex payroll systems, procurement processes, and grant reporting requirements. Through meticulous financial oversight, Anderson secures the fiscal health of the district, allowing for the sustained delivery of high-quality education to students throughout the Mississippi region.

    Jennifer Mangano - President

    Jennifer Mangano, the President at Lee County Schools, leads the board governance and community relations efforts for the district. Mangano facilitates communication between the school board, the administration, and the families served by the district. The President drives policy development that shapes the educational environment, ensuring that all decisions reflect the needs of the student population. Jennifer Mangano oversees the engagement of community stakeholders to build support for district initiatives and bond measures. By fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, the President ensures that the district remains responsive to the public interest. This leadership role involves setting the agenda for board meetings and guiding the strategic direction of the organization in alignment with state educational goals. Through active participation in regional educational forums, the President advocates for policies that enhance student outcomes. Mangano maintains a focus on long-term governance to ensure the stability and growth of the district.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lee County Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Lee County Schools?
    Lee County Schools is led by Mattie Small (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Phillip Shackelford (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer) and Shereca Anderson (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Lee County Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lee County Schools includes leaders such as Mattie Small (Chief Executive Officer), Phillip Shackelford (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer), Shereca Anderson (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lee County Schools have?
    Lee County Schools has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Lee County Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Lee County Schools includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President.