Administration

Dr. Bridney Pope, Principal

Dr. Bridney Pope is an accomplished educational leader with a strong commitment to student success, academic excellence, and fostering positive school communities. With more than a decade of experience in public education, she has served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, bringing a wealth of instructional and leadership expertise to every role.

Prior to joining Peeples Middle School, Dr. Pope served as principal of Charleston Elementary School in the East Tallahatchie School District, where her leadership helped the school improve its accountability rating from an "F" to a "B." Her success reflects a focus on high-quality instruction, data-driven decision-making, and creating a culture of high expectations for students and staff.

Dr. Pope is dedicated to empowering educators, engaging families, and building safe, supportive learning environments where every student can thrive. She has led impactful professional learning initiatives, implemented district programs such as Response to Intervention (RTI) and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and consistently championed practices that improve student achievement and school performance.

She earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from National University and holds advanced degrees and professional licensure in elementary education, literacy, and educational administration from the University of Mississippi and Arkansas State University.

A two-time recipient of the East Tallahatchie School District Administrator of the Year Award, Dr. Pope is recognized for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to educational excellence. As principal of Peeples Middle School, she remains focused on creating opportunities for every student to succeed while fostering a collaborative culture of continuous growth and achievement.

Dr. Pope is married to Terrance Pope, and together they are the proud parents of five children.

Maya May,        Assistant Principal

Ms. Maya May serves as the Assistant Principal at Peeples Middle School. She brings nine years of experience in education, beginning her career as a 7th- and 8th-grade science teacher before serving as the Middle School Network Science Coach. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Tougaloo College and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Delta State University.

An alternate-route educator through Teach For America, Ms. May has continued to serve in various leadership roles, including Corps Member Advisor, Summer Institute School Director, and her current role as a Math and Science PLC Leader.

Ms. May is passionate about continuous learning, professional growth, and creating innovative ways to inspire students to fall in love with science. She is committed to supporting high-quality instruction, empowering teachers, and ensuring all scholars have engaging, hands-on opportunities to thrive academically.

She is proud to serve the Peeples community and remains dedicated to helping students and staff Reset, Rise, and Reach Higher each day.

Dr. Forrest Buck,      Assistant Principal

Dr. Forrest Buck is excited to serve as Assistant Principal at Peeples Middle School, bringing nearly a decade of experience in education and a passion for student success. Throughout his career, he has taught physical education, health, and history at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, providing him with a well-rounded perspective on meeting the diverse needs of students.

In addition to his classroom experience, Dr. Buck has coached football, basketball, and track at both the middle and high school levels, emphasizing teamwork, leadership, and character development. His commitment to fostering student growth extends beyond academics and into every aspect of school life.

Dr. Buck earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Kinesiology from Mississippi State University. He also holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.

As Assistant Principal, Dr. Buck is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where students, staff, and families work together to achieve academic excellence. He looks forward to partnering with the Peeples Middle School community to build on a tradition of success and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.