Harrison County superintendent announces retirement

Harrison County School District superintendent Mitchell King’s 54-year-long career in education will come to an end with his retirement this June.

“I’m a firm believer in that everyone who is successful in life had to have a good teacher somewhere,” King said. He credits his previous teachers for his own success. 

From coach to teacher, from principal to superintendent, Mitchell King has done it all. And this summer break, he will lock his doors for the final time.

“I enjoyed what I’ve done and I have been so thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with the people of Harrison County,” he said. “and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. But now it’s time for me to move on.”

King’s career began in 1969 at Orange Grove Middle School as a coach. for the last three years, he has served Harrison County School District as the superintendent. 

King has watched the district grow over the years, with many schools gaining “A” ratings. He hopes the next superintendent values excellence just as he does. 

“I am responsible for those students that come into my class, come into my school, or come into my district. I am responsible for them, so I want to try to do the best that I can for them on a daily basis. That probably is the most important thing to me is that we have a vision that this school district can be the best for the boys and girls for the parents that we serve.”

King replaced former superintendent Roy Gill in 2021 after a long stint serving as assistant superintendent for the school district. King’s last day is June 30th, and the school has already started accepting applications for the new superintendent. Once applications are reviewed, the Harrison County School Board will decide on a new superintendent.