As the new school year approaches, the Marion School District is unveiling a new look for its leadership team, with several new administrators joining the district and others taking on new roles.
Below is a rundown of changes in the district’s team heading into the 2025-26 school year:
James Scott has taken the role of Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education. Scott had previously been principal at Marion High School.
Richard Atwill joined the district as Assistant Superintendent for Maintenance & Operations. Atwill comes to Marion with a wealth of school administrative experience, including stints as superintendent at both the West Memphis and Blytheville school districts.
Mandi Edwards joined the district as Director of K-12 Curriculum, Instruction, Professional Development & K-6 Elementary Education. Edwards comes to Marion with strong experience, having most recently served as superintendent of the Perryville School District.
Mike Skelton will move into the role of MHS Principal. Skelton served the same role in 2022-23, but has been Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education & Operations for the past two years.
Emily Hall will be the Principal at Marion Junior High School. Hall has served as Principal at 7GA for the past two years, helping shepherd that school’s move from being a part of MJHS to becoming a separate school.
Gwen Looney will become principal at the Marion Seventh Grade Academy. Looney has spent the past two years as an Assistant Principal at Marion Math, Science & Technology Magnet, and has more than 40 years of experience in the field of education, including stints as principal at Richland Elementary in West Memphis and Wedlock Elementary in Edmondson.
Jonathan Crymes is now the district’s Athletic Director. Crymes has been Principal at MJHS for the past two years.
Tracy Panicola was hired as a K-12 Math Facilitator. Panicola most recently served in a similar role at the West Memphis School District and has extensive experience in the field.
David Lara will take on the role of head baseball coach and assistant athletic director. Lara has been serving as the district’s Athletic Director.
Johnny Washington will become Assistant Principal at Marion Seventh Grade Academy. Washington has been serving as the school’s Dean of Students.
Christy Miller will now be Assistant Principal at MST. Miller has been a GT teacher at the school.
“In any endeavor having the right people in the right roles makes all the difference,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, superintendent of the Marion School District. “The passion, experience, and heart for kids that these leaders bring will have a lasting impact on our schools and community.”
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district that ensures an equitable, engaging learning community where every student is empowered to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, a seventh grade academy, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.