Administration

Mr. Eric Jackson, Principal

Eric Jackson will serve as the principal of Blackburn Middle School. He is no stranger to Jackson Public Schools, having taught United States History for over ten years at Lanier, Wingfield, and Jim Hill High Schools. As a classroom instructor, he was recognized by the Greater Jackson Chamber as a distinguished teacher in the Chamber's Metro Teacher Recognition Program in 2011.

A 1999 graduate of Natchez High School, Mr. Jackson earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Alcorn State University. He then pursued a Master of Science in Secondary Education from Belhaven University, an Education Specialist from Liberty University, and is currently pursuing his doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Mr. Jackson brings over 20 years of experience to the position, recently serving as principal of Natchez High School. Previously, in the areas of leadership, he worked as an education consultant, served as assistant principal at the middle school and high school level and served as a Director of Technology in K-12 education.

Mr. Jackson has devoted his career to public education. He believes that his experience is pivotal to him and his team as they not only restore the legacy of Blackburn, but also build on the partnership with Jackson State University to ensure all scholars and teachers are supported in their daily work at Blackburn.

Dr. Sheila J. Gilmore, Assistant Principal

My name is Dr. Sheila J. Gilmore, and I am a part of the administrative team at Blackburn Middle School. I have 28 years of experience in education that includes: Teacher, Team Leader, Librarian, Interventionist, Literacy Coach, Parent Coordinator, Asst. Principal and Summer School Principal. My tertiary education includes Mississippi State University, where I received a bachelor's degree and Mississippi College, where I received my Master's, Specialist and Doctoral degrees respectively. At Blackburn Middle, we strive to develop scholars who are prepared to succeed in the workforce, college and beyond through the attainment of skills in critical reading, writing and thinking. We are very proud of our scholars, their accomplishments, and the school environment that we strive to create each and every day.

It is our desire that every student has an exciting, positive, and rewarding experience at Blackburn Middle School. We invite you to become an active member of our school community through volunteering and attending and supporting our school activities. Together, we will continue to improve the quality of our school community and provide the very best for the children of Blackburn Middle School.

Mrs. Joneaset Mitchell, Assistant Principal

Joneaset Mitchell has been appointed as assistant principal for Blackburn Middle School for the 2024-2025 school year. With over two decades of experience in education, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure the success of our scholars and teachers. My extensive background includes roles such as inclusion teacher, lead teacher for exceptional education, instructional coach, dean of students, and assistant principal, making me well-equipped to contribute to the growth and development of our scholars. I received my undergraduate degree from Mississippi University for Women, a master's degree from the University of West Alabama, and I am currently pursuing my doctorate.

A guiding principle in my profession is that those who genuinely desire success will find a means to achieve it without finding reasons to justify failure!

Rekesha Gholar, Dean of Students

Mrs. Rekesha Gholar will serve as the Dean of Students at Blackburn Middle School, bringing nearly two decades of experience and a deep commitment to student success. With 19 years of dedicated service in Jackson Public Schools, Mrs. Gholar has consistently demonstrated her passion for creating supportive learning environments and helping scholars reach their fullest potential.

A proud graduate of Mississippi Valley State University, Jackson State University, and Mississippi College, Mrs. Gholar holds a degree in Educational Leadership. Her career in education has been diverse and impactful — serving as a classroom teacher, interventionist, librarian, and graduation coach — all roles that have strengthened her belief in the power of education to change lives.

In her role as Dean of Students, Mrs. Gholar focuses on: Creating a supportive, student-centered culture that promotes academic achievement and personal growth. Leading with restorative practices and equitable discipline strategies to build strong relationships and a respectful learning environment. Collaborating with teachers, families, and community partners to ensure every student has the tools and support needed for success. Encouraging student leadership, responsibility, and engagement through intentional programming and advocacy.

Mrs. Gholar remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the scholars, families, and community she proudly serves.

Mr. Daryn E White, Dean of Students

Daryn E. White will serve as the newly appointed Dean Of Students at Blackburn Middle School for the 2024-2025 school year. He brings 19 years of experience to his new role, 14 served with JPS. His previous tenure in the District includes serving in the Middle School Division as an Assistant Principal and in the Department of Special Education as a Behavioral Specialist, Program Specialist, Behavioral Support Instructor, and Inclusion instructor at various elementary, middle, & high schools around the district. He has also served in the Vicksburg-Warren District as an Instructional Specialist & the Rankin County School District as a Special Education Instructor in the settings of Inclusion and self-contained.

Mr. White is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a bachelor’s Degree in sociology with a minor in psychology. Mr. White holds two Master’s Degrees in Educational Administration and Supervision from Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Southern University in New Orleans.

Mr. White’s daily passion includes serving and being transformational. With that said, his focus is motivated through the words: “Children learn more from what you are than what you teach.” ~W.E.B. DuBois; “Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions.” ~Harold S. Geneen; and "I never lose. I either win, or I learn” ~Nelson Mandela.