Information Technology - JPS

A huge congratulations to TaShara Washington and George Slade from the Jackson Public Schools Information Technology Department on being published in the 10th edition of STEM Century: Jackson, MS Edition! 🎉📘💻

This book highlights the voices, experiences, and impact of leaders helping shape the future of education and technology in our community. Through their chapters, TaShara and George share stories of perseverance, innovation, leadership, and the real work happening behind the scenes to make opportunities possible for every scholar.

To see members of our own IT team along with other leaders in JPS featured in a publication centered around STEM, growth, and community impact is something truly special. Your work continues to inspire not only students, but everyone around you. 🚀✨

https://a.co/d/093YPOp9

You've seen how awesome it is over at the 505, and now is your chance to join us! We're hiring a Network Analyst!

Apply at https://jps.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5714436

Join Jackson Public Schools - All the cool kids are doing it!

We are proud to celebrate our IT Director, TaShara Washington, who is featured as a contributing author in *STEM Century: Jackson, MS Edition*.

In her chapter, “Breaking Barriers: My Journey as a Black Woman in STEM and IT,” TaShara reflects on how early exposure to technology shaped her path, how STEM strengthened her problem-solving and leadership, and what it means to serve as a Black woman in a field where representation still matters.

Her story reminds us that STEM is not just about systems, devices, or technical skills. It is also about resilience, confidence, growth, and opening doors for others.

We are proud of TaShara’s leadership, her voice, and the example she continues to set for our team and our scholars.

Jackson Public Schools

Yesterday’s ITS Town Hall was one for the books 📚💻

Our team took a deeper look into The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and explored how principles like being impeccable with your word, avoiding assumptions, and always doing your best can strengthen not only our communication, but also the way we serve schools across the district every day. Sometimes the strongest upgrade in IT isn’t hardware… it’s mindset. 🖥️⚡

We also celebrated exciting internal promotions within our department and recognized team members for their dedication and consistency through Perfect Attendance:

🏆 Thomas Jackson
🏆 Jacob Turnage
🏆 Olivia Butler
🏆 Jelissa Sparkman (not pictured)

And a special congratulations to Olivia Butler for also being named our ⭐ Rockstar of the Month ⭐

Moments like these remind us that ITS is powered by more than technology. It’s powered by people. Jackson Public Schools

WOW! What a week for the IT team here at Jackson Public Schools! A huge congratulations goes out to three emerging District leaders. Although these are great individual accolades and accomplishments by each of these team members, the real winners are the scholars, teachers, staff members, and families of JPS. We are lucky, appreciative and thrilled to have this level of talent and commitment helping to lead the District's technology teams!

Congrats to each of these deserving team members.

Corey Stringfellow - Promoted to Assistant Director of ITS
Hope Thompson - Promoted to Senior System Analyst
Olivia Butler - Promoted to Network Administrator

Customer service isn’t just a department… it’s the standard. 💻✨

At our April IT Town Hall, we had the pleasure of welcoming Christopher Johnsen, Hospitality Manager from Chick-fil-A in Brandon, MS, who broke down the science behind the service and what makes their customer experience stand out.

What we realized quickly?
The same principles that power Chick-fil-A’s customer service culture are the same ones driving the work we do every day in IT.

From clear communication and accountability to creating positive experiences with every interaction, it’s bigger than resolving tickets… it’s about serving people.

Because great IT support doesn’t just fix problems… it builds trust. 🤝🏾

⸻

🎉 Celebrating Our Team Wins:

👏🏾 Congratulations to Olivia Butler on earning her Cybersecurity Certification — and maintaining perfect attendance!

👏🏾 Shoutout to our Perfect Attendance recipients:
Valencia Rankin, Jacob Turnage, Johnnie Smith, and Kimberly Buckhalter

⭐ Rockstar of the Month (March): Grailyn Quinn
🌟 Rockstar of the Quarter (Q1): Demetric Ards

🏆 Special recognition to Melanie Jenkins for being honored with a plaque after her nomination for Support Staff of the Year at November’s Night of the Stars Gala — well deserved!

Your dedication, consistency, and excellence continue to move JPS IT forward. We see you, and we appreciate you! 💚 Jackson Public Schools

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Meet one of the leaders behind JPS IT. 💻✨

Our newly appointed Director of Information Technology, TaShara, took time out of her schedule to speak with WJTV, introduce herself, explain what the IT department does for the district, and highlight how our team supports schools every day.

She also shares details about our upcoming Job Fair happening this weekend 👀

If you’re curious about JPS IT or interested in joining a team that keeps everything running behind the scenes, this is your chance to learn more.

🔗 Check out the interview at the link below:
https://www.wjtv.com/living-local/live-at-9/jps-to-host-first-job-fair-of-2026/

Jackson Public Schools

JPS to host first job fair of 2026 JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson Public Schools (JPS) will host its first job fair of the year on March 28, 2026. The job bar will be held from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Kirksey Middle School. The …

🚧 Big things happening behind the scenes!

Our Data Center Revitalization Project has officially completed Phase 1, and the progress is real.

We’ve finished the heavy lifting, upgraded critical systems like cooling, and safely moved key equipment to better support our network. All of this work sets the foundation for stronger, more reliable technology across the district.

In simple terms?
👉 Faster systems
👉 Better performance
👉 Less downtime

We’re not done yet, but we’re moving in the right direction—and it’s only getting better from here. 💻✨

Jackson Public Schools

Wow! We're happy to congratulate TaShara on her well deserved promotion to DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES at Jackson Public Schools! We are super excited for her and super lucky that she continues to be a pillar of the team.

TaShara has dedicated over 15 years to advancing both information technology and instructional technology across the district. With a deep understanding of educational systems and a passion for innovation, she plays a key role in supporting the Executive Director in driving strategic technology initiatives that enhance teaching, learning, and operational efficiency.

As a longstanding member of the department, TaShara has been instrumental in the District’s continued progress in strengthening its technology infrastructure and advancing its cybersecurity posture. She has contributed to shaping a more secure, resilient, and forward-thinking technology environment, helping guide the District through ongoing transformation and modernization efforts.

Known for her forward-thinking mindset, TaShara consistently explores and implements emerging technologies that position the District for future success. Her work is grounded in creating sustainable, impactful solutions that expand access, improve systems, and empower both educators and scholars.