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School Board Members

Hancock County School District

Mr. Ray Ladner

District 1

Email: rladner2@hancockschools.net

Dr. Daniel Henley

District 2

Email: dhenley@hancockschools.net

Dr. Daniel Henley, a native of Kiln, Mississippi, and a graduate of Hancock High School, was elected in November 2022 and began his term in January 2023 and will serve through December 2028.  Dr. Henley has twenty years of experience in education as a high school principal, teacher, college instructor, coach, and bus driver.  He has an Associate of Arts in English and history from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, a Bachelor of Science in social science and English in secondary education from William Carey University, a Master of Education in English in secondary education from William Carey University, an Educational Specialist in educational leadership in teaching and learning from Walden University, and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership in teaching and learning from Walden University.  He aims to work together with all of the stakeholders of the Hancock County School District in order to help provide the best quality of education possible and to help the district become one of the leading districts in Mississippi.  He looks forward to working with each constituent of the district, and he truly believes in Mr. David Kopf’s, a former superintendent of the Hancock County School District, quote: “Today a Hawk, Tomorrow a Hawk, Forever a Hawk – Hawk Pride!”  

Mr. Billy Thomas

District 3

Email: bthomas@hancockschools.net

Billy Thomas began his term in September 2008.  Mr. Thomas has over thirty-five years of experience as a public school educator, including several years as a physical education teacher in Hancock County.  He has a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in health and safety, and an educational specialist degree in school administration.  His goal is to be part of a team that provides the highest quality of education for each child in the Hancock County School District.

Dr. Jennifer Seal

District 4

Email: jseal@hancockschools.net

Dr. Jennifer Seal began her term in January 2007.  She was elected to begin a second term in January 2013 and will serve through December 2018.  Seal is the Vice President for Planning and Institutional Research at Pearl River Community College-Poplarville.  She and her husband, Michael, own and operate Seal’s MarketPlace on Highway 43 in Hancock County.  Seal looks forward to serving on the Board that manages the resources of the Hancock County School District and to helping ensure that each and every child receives the best education possible.  Their daughter, Raleigh, attends Hancock North Central Elementary

Ms. Danita Holladay

District 5

Email: dholladay@hancockschools.net

Danita Ladner Holladay began serving in January 2015. She is married to Rick Holladay. They have 4 sons, Richard, Grant, Evan and Mason. Her four sons are graduates from Hancock High School and are currently attending college. Her two youngest sons are students at Hancock High School. She is an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Dedeaux. She is the Executive Director of Acorn Adoption Agency. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

Mr. Mark Alexander

Board Attorney