At Thursday’s Special Board Meeting, Meridian 223’s Board of Education unanimously named Dr. Mullikin to succeed Dr. PJ Caposey as the Meridian 223 Superintendent. Dr. Mullikin will immediately be moved into the role of Assistant Superintendent while also maintaining his role as Highland Elementary School Principal. Dr. Mullikin will move into the Superintendent role on July 1st of 2024.
Dr. Mullikin is in his tenth year at Meridian and has served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal before this promotion. He is an award-winning educator, consultant, speaker, and leader. In addition to his role as the principal at Highland Elementary School, he serves as the director of data and assessment and continuous improvement for Meridian 223 and is an adjunct professor for Judson University. His dissertation focused on the impact that character education programs played on school culture during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Board President John Smith led the process to determine who the next Superintendent of the district would be. He commented, “I have the utmost confidence in Joe. I do not think he has the potential to be good, I believe he has the potential to be truly great. As a Board, we have had the privilege of witnessing the maturation process of Dr. Mullikin in many roles in our district. He has truly earned this opportunity to lead our district.” Mr. Smith also focused on the continuity naming an internal candidate to this position provides and the opportunity to continue the momentum the district has created.
Dr. Mullikin said that he was thrilled about this opportunity. He continued, “I have thoroughly enjoyed and loved my time with the district. Meridian is a special place and a wonderful community and I look forward to the opportunity to lead this district to achieve more amazing things.”
The Board of Education will vote on this contract proposal on Thursday. The contract includes Dr. Mullikin serving as Assistant Superintendent and Highland Elementary school for the remainder of this year and next year. He will then begin his work as Superintendent. His contract as Superintendent extends through June of 2027.