Dr. Brian Fortenberry named as Clinton High School’s new principal

Special to The Clinton Courier

Dr. Brian Fortenberry has been named the next principal of Clinton High School (CHS), succeeding current principal Brett Robinson, who has been appointed as the Mississippi Department of Education’s state career and technical education director.

Fortenberry has an extensive history with the Clinton Public School District and has served as the Clinton Public School District’s (CPSD) athletics director since 2017. Prior to that, he served as an assistant principal at Clinton High School from 2015-2017 and assistant principal at Clinton Junior High School from 2012-2015.

As athletics director, Fortenberry has assisted in administering upgrades to the CHS football field, including the installation of the video board. He helped facilitate decisions made regarding the installation of turf for both the Clinton High School softball and baseball fields, as well as the renovation of the tennis complex on the CHS campus.

Recently, Fortenberry was named 2022 Athletic Director of the Year by the Mississippi Athletics Administrators Association.

“I’m very thankful to have had the opportunity to serve in the Clinton Public School District for almost twenty years,” said Fortenberry. “The people I have worked with through the years have had such a tremendous influence on me as a person and as an educator. I’m excited for this opportunity, and I hope to approach this position with the same passion as those who have preceded me as principal.”

“Being the principal of Clinton High School is both a privilege and a challenge,” said CPSD Superintendent Dr. Andy Schoggin. “Dr. Fortenberry’s experience has him positioned to be the next leader of CHS. He understands the culture of excellence that encompasses everything from academics to arts to athletics that are so important to parents, students and faculty.”

“Dr. Fortenberry has done an excellent job as our athletics director, and we are sure he will do a great job in his new role in our district,” said CPSD Board of Trustees President Bernard Kines. “He and his family care deeply for our community and understand our Arrow Pride.”

Long-time principal and former CPSD Assistant Superintendent Anthony Goins said Dr. Fortenberry’s wide range of experience will play a large role in his success as Clinton High School’s next principal.

“His previous work with students and teachers as an assistant principal in grades seven through twelve will be very beneficial as he transitions into his new role at Clinton High School,” Goins said. “His ability to work and listen to everyone in various roles has earned him the respect of the students, teachers and the community.”

Dr. Fortenberry earned his Bachelor of Arts in English as well as his master’s degree and Specialist of Educational Leadership at Mississippi College. In 2022, he received his Doctorate of Education from Delta State University.

As a teacher and coach, Fortenberry has experience in both Mississippi and Alabama, teaching English, psychology and driver’s education, as well as coaching basketball, football, baseball and golf.

“My family and I are proud to be Arrows and consider ourselves blessed to be able to live in Clinton,” Fortenberry added. “The Clinton Public School District has been an integral part of our lives. We very much believe in the city, the schools and, most importantly, the people.”

Fortenberry and his wife, Dr. Susan Fortenberry, have four children, Grayson, Ellen Claire, Emily and Caleb, who all attend the Clinton Public School District.

Fortenberry will officially begin serving as principal on July 1.