Dr. Toy Watts - Who Owns Your Growth?

The Dr. Will Show Podcast

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Dr. Toy L. Watts made history when she was named Superintendent of the Laurel School District in 2018. She is the first woman to serve as superintendent of education in the district’s 133 years of educating the children of Laurel.

Since serving as the superintendent, the district has seen digital upgrades in all areas of operation, increased recruitment leading to the employment of high caliber applicants in the areas of teaching and administration, the district’s six schools saw gains on state test scores with one school achieving the district’s first A rating and maintaining that rating for five consecutive years, leading to being named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School. On the high school level, college scholarship offers doubled and the school achieved a 90 percent graduation rate, the highest since tracking began. Due to a renewed focus, the high school recently became a B-rated school. Additionally, the district underwent a complete restructuring, including moving campuses, creating grade-level schools and increasing early education opportunities. Calm under pressure, Dr. Watts has faced the challenges of an EF3 tornado, a global pandemic, and four devastating fires during her tenure. Watts has served as a keynote speaker on the state level, guest panelist on the national level, and is a contributing author.

Dr. Watts received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Dillard University, a Master of Education in School Counseling, a Specialist in Education in Educational Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Watts is a seasoned leader with 28 years of experience in education, having served as a teacher, counselor, coach, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent.