Becoming the superintendent of the Yazoo County School District was never something Becky Fisher saw in her future. And now after serving in this post since 2012, she is announcing her retirement, starting on June 30.
Growing up as the daughter of a Methodist minister, Fisher moved around frequently and was enrolled in seven different schools over the course of 12 years. She said she developed her "big personality" over the years from visiting people with her father while he was in the ministry.
Fisher always loved school and people. One of her most favorite schools to attend was Satartia Elementary, where she attended school in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades.
"I loved that school; it was a community school," she said. "Whenever somebody asks me where I'm from, I'll say Yazoo County."
Fisher's love grew and grew, empowering her to study to become a teacher. She began her teaching career in Yazoo County, teaching in private schools such as Manchester and Benton Academy, and later moved on to teach first grade for many years at Linwood Elementary.
Fisher said that some of her most favorite memories of her students were when that light bulb turned on, and they learned how to read. She also fondly remembers the students with dyslexia learning to read auditorily, and teaching students how to remember their phone numbers and addresses.
"I won't forget those days," she said. "And now when those great big boys, that are 6'2, come in here and hug me, nobody knows how much that warms my heart."
After teaching elementary classes for several years at Linwood, Fisher was given the opportunity to serve as an assistant principal. It was there that she was told by a colleague that she would one day become the superintendent.
It wasn't until a few years later, after Fisher had served as principal over Yazoo County High School, that she made the decision to run for superintendent.
She was elected in 2012 and walked into the new position with an abundance of issues to resolve. A broken transportation system, riddled with delays in bus times, and dilapidated school buildings were some of the major problems that she had to address quickly.
"I was upset about how late the kids were getting home," Fisher said. "When I was at Linwood, the buses didn't even arrive until a quarter to four."
So, one of the first things she did as superintendent was open a new transportation contract with the bus company ECCO Ride, which dramatically changed pick up and drop off times for students all over Yazoo County.
Over the last several years Fisher has also made drastic improvements to school facilities, including the remodeling and renovating of Linwood and Bentonia-Gibbs Elementary schools, and even added on to the Middle School when she incorporated all sixth grade students into that location.
She paved the way for the high school to get much needed heating and air repairs, and also updated the electrical system, moving from traditional bulbs to LED bulbs which are saving the school district a lot of money.
Fisher's dream was also to make sure the students had enough experience with technology.
"My goal was to make sure that children had computers in hand," Fisher said. "We started purchasing computer carts, and we have managed to continue that over the years."
So far, computers can be found at every school.
Another thing that Fisher was involved with was the creation of a "True Blue" school district, where all schools changed to the same uniform colors and dress code, to help the students become more identified as one district, rather than rival schools with opposing colors.
"We are one, we are True Blue, we strive for that," said Fisher. "Now we are all doing the same, everything is cohesive. We feel like we are one district, and the kids are proud of their school."
The "True Blue" phenomenon affected more than just the students' pride in their schools. It fed into school athletics, boosting Panther Pride and overall morale, which may have taken the Yazoo County football team to the state finals.
Fisher said that the students and parents even seem happier at school, and the accreditation of the entire district has risen even higher.
"We are almost looking at a B level district-wide, so we are excited," Fisher said, "We have so many good teachers, so many excellent principals, and that makes all the difference."
The effects of Fisher's leadership for her last two terms are too numerous to name, but her profound impact will leave a legacy for years to come.
Fisher said one vision that she hopes will come true is to build an elementary school on the same campus as the other buildings so that all the students in the district can be in one place.
While she does not know who will take her place as the next superintendent of the Yazoo County School District, she has a lot of advice for that person.
"Get to know the people," she said. "Always have the door open and be available. Be understanding of others around you. Visit your schools, visit with your students. Listen and talk to your teachers and your principals. And don't forget about your community who supports you."
Becky also encouraged parents to go and watch the games and performances of their children who attend school within the district.
"That means a lot to these kids," she said. "Because they are looking for somebody to come watch them. That's important."
Fisher said that she is looking forward to retirement, relaxing, and spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren.
After 40 years in the education world, and 28 years with Yazoo County, it is time for her to retire, but she will never stop being "True Blue.”
