Houghton tapped to lead Madison Crossing school

Houghton tapped to lead Madison Crossing school

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MADISON — Dr. Debra Houghton said she is blessed to stay in the “Maverick Zone” as she takes on her new role as the Madison Crossing Elementary principal this summer. 

Houghton began her teaching career in 2002 and has spent over 10 years in Madison County Schools. She has served as a teacher, assistant principal, and most recently, the lead principal at Mannsdale Upper Elementary. 

“I have loved my time at Mannsdale Upper and will miss my wonderful teachers and families, but I look forward to serving the great teachers and families at Madison Crossing,”  Houghton said. “I am excited about this opportunity to educate students from kindergarten to fifth grade.” 

She cited South African anti-apartheid activist and politician Nelson Mandela saying “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

“Being given this opportunity to educate our earliest learners is such a privilege,” Houghton said. 

Houghton’s career in education is filled with many accomplishments, including 2020 Administrator of the Year for the State of Mississippi, 2022 National Distinguished Principal for Mississippi for the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and 2019 -2020 Administrator of the Year for Madison County Schools. 

In 2020, she was recognized by William Carey University as Administrator of the Year, completed National Institute for School Leadership facilitator training in 2019, and has served as Mississippi representative to the National Association of Elementary Principals since 2019. She was also named Teacher of the Year at Lovett Elementary while serving as a teacher in Clinton Public Schools in 2010. 

Madison County Schools Superintendent of Education Charlotte Seals said Houghton is a dedicated and driven administrator who implements effective strategies for her teachers and students to achieve and succeed. 

“She is an outstanding principal and we have full faith that Madison Crossing will thrive under her leadership,” Seals said. 

Houghton received a bachelor's degree from Louisiana College and a master’s degree from Mississippi College. She graduated from William Carey University with a specialist of education in instructional leadership in 2020 and a doctor of education in 2022. 

She is married to Coach Charles Houghton and they have four children: Dr. Haley Houghton-Antonescu and AJ Antonescu, Chase Houghton, and Kelsey Houghton. 

Houghton will begin serving as Madison Crossing this summer following the retirement of Terri Thornton.






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