CHS promotes Taylor to assistant principal

By Clinton Courier | March 7, 2024 |

Special to The Clinton Courier

Leonard Taylor

Clinton High School’s (CHS) administration team will include a familiar face at the start of the next school year.

During February’s meeting, the Clinton Public School District Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Leonard Taylor as CHS assistant principal for the 2024-2025 school year.
Taylor has served as head coach of the CHS boys basketball team since 2021. Prior to his time as head coach, he served as assistant varsity basketball coach for four years, where he helped the

Arrows win back-to-back MHSAA 6A State Championships—one as an assistant coach (2021) and one as a head coach (2022).

“I’m extremely excited for this opportunity and new challenge to continue my professional growth in the field of education,” Taylor said. “My focus and passion has always been about helping kids reach their full potential. Stepping into this new role allows me to continue that opportunity on another level.”

Taylor, a 1999 graduate of Clinton High School, started his education career in 2007 at Clinton Junior High School. He has served in a coaching capacity for fourteen years, while also teaching physical education and driver’s education.

Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Jackson State University (JSU), while also serving as captain of the JSU Tigers’ mens basketball team.

In 2019, he completed a master’s degree in educational leadership at Mississippi College.

“Coach Taylor will be a tremendous addition to our administrative team at CHS,” CHS principal Dr. Brian Fortenberry said.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with him for many years, and I’ve always appreciated his work ethic, his ability to work well with students and teachers, and his commitment to and pride in the Clinton Public Schools District,” Fortenberry added. “I’m excited for this new opportunity for him.”

Taylor will assume assistant principal duties on July 1, 2024. Clinton will begin the search for a new head boys basketball coach immediately.