By Debbie Burt Myers

An assistant principal at Neshoba Central Elementary School was presented a national award honoring her as an exceptional leader, educator and advocate for student success.

Kim Baysinger was selected as Mississippi’s National Outstanding Assistant Principal by the National Association of Elementary Principals.

She will be honored at the state conference in June in Biloxi and has been invited to attend the national conference in Seattle, Wash., in July.

Neshoba Central Elementary School Principal Tiffany Plott described Baysinger as an invaluable partner and said she has proven herself to be a calm and thoughtful voice of reason in any situation.

Plott presented the award to Baysinger in the school auditorium with her students from the fourth and fifth grades in attendance.

“I am truly humbled by this recognition and even more touched by the outpouring of kind words, messages and encouragement I have received,” Baysinger said.

“This honor is not mine alone—it belongs to the incredible team I get to work with every single day. To our principal, superintendent and assistant superintendent—your leadership, support and belief in me mean more than I can express. To our teachers and staff—you are the heartbeat of our school, and the dedication and passion you pour into our students inspire me daily.”

Baysinger, whose office is filled with framed inspirational quotes, credits the students as her main motivation.

“They are the reason I do what I do. Their energy, curiosity, and determination make every day rewarding. Watching them grow, learn, and achieve their goals is the greatest honor of all. Thank you to the students for bringing joy to our school and reminding me every day why this work matters so much.”

Baysinger is a graduate of Neshoba Central, East Central Community College and Mississippi State University where she earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

She taught fourth grade at Newton Municipal Schools for seven years before coming to Neshoba to teach in 2008. Over the years she has taught third, fourth and fifth graders and served as an interventionist for two years before becoming assistant principal in 2019.

Baysinger’s favorite part of her job is the relationships she has with the students though the most challenging aspect is having difficult conversations with students and teachers.

Plott said from the outset of her teaching career, it was clear that Baysinger was “an extraordinary educator with a natural gift for connecting with students and fostering their academic growth.”