Bill Text: MS SC593 | 2016 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Recognize educational and political legacy of Cynthia Magee as first African-American Superintendent of Education in Walthall County.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-1)
Status: (Passed) 2016-03-08 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC593 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2016-SC593-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Jackson (32nd), Witherspoon, Barnett, Butler, Fillingane, Frazier, Jackson (11th)
Senate Concurrent Resolution 593
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE EDUCATIONAL AND POLITICAL LEGACY OF CYNTHIA MAGEE AS THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN ELECTED TO A COUNTY OFFICE IN WALTHALL COUNTY AND THE FIRST FEMALE TO SERVE AS SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION IN THE COUNTY'S 100-YEAR HISTORY, ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT.
WHEREAS, the professional and political legacy of Cynthia Magee is a matter of record: As Principal of Tylertown High School, Cynthia J. Magee had a string of firsts to her credit. She served as the first African-American Principal of Tylertown High School as well as being the first female Principal of the school. In 2007, she was one of two African-American women to run for County Superintendent of Education post, and was the first African-American to land a spot in the runoff for that seat. The election of Cynthia Magee was a historical moment in Walthall County politics. Not only was Magee the first African-American elected to a countywide office, she was also the first female to serve as Superintendent of Education in the county's 100-year history; and
WHEREAS, Cynthia J. Magee is a native Mississippian, born and reared in Kemper County as one of 14 children born to Enos and Alma Jackson. She is a graduate of Jackson State University, having earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education with an emphasis in Special Education. She also received her Master's degree in School Administration from William Carey College. Mrs. Magee, a citizen of Walthall County for nearly 40 years, has given much of that time in service through education. She spent 16 years in the classroom as a Special Education teacher; and
WHEREAS, she transitioned from teaching to administrative roles, serving 22 years as a high school administrator. During her tenure as Principal of Tylertown High School, Mrs. Magee implemented a GED program, in-school suspension, and the Ramp-Up to Math and Reading programs, she pushed for a junior ROTC program, and she helped reorganize school-sponsored proms and dances. Under her leadership, the school upgraded its sports offerings for females, moving from slow-pitch to include fast-pitch softball, and the school implemented soccer and volleyball; and
WHEREAS, throughout her years of service, Mrs. Magee has committed herself to advocating on behalf of children. Her attitude of excellence has fostered positive change on the campus she served and across the entire Walthall County School District. She is a member of Brandon Bay United Methodist Church, a member of the Board of Directors for the McComb and Walthall County Boys and Girls Club, a member of the Rotary Club, and a member of the Mississippi Association of Education/National Education Association. Mrs. Magee is married to Mr. James E. Magee, Sr. They have two adult children and four grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we pay tribute to this most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi with a record of educational achievement and a legacy of leadership and dedication to all in Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the educational and political legacy of Cynthia Magee as the first African-American elected to a county office in Walthall County and the first female to serve as Superintendent of Education in the county's 100-year history, and extend our best wishes to Mrs. Magee and her family on the occasion of her retirement ceremony.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mrs. Cynthia J. Magee, forwarded to the State Board of Education and the Walthall County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
