Ridgeland, Miss., September 17, 2024—SchoolStatus, a leader in K-12 data-driven solutions that empower student success, announced today the launch of its 2024-25 Customer Advisory Board (CAB). Composed of education leaders with firsthand experience in K-12 districts and schools around the county, this board will play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction and product roadmap, building on SchoolStatus’ long history of collaboration with educators.
Since the company launched in 2012, SchoolStatus has been dedicated to developing innovative solutions that empower districts to make a real impact for students, families, and educators. With this initiative, SchoolStatus underscores the commitment to addressing the unique challenges of today’s schools, ensuring that its platform is both impactful and aligned with the real-world needs of educators and students.
“I am truly honored to join the SchoolStatus Customer Advisory Board and collaborate with districts nationwide. This opportunity allows me to learn from other district leaders while supporting teachers using student data and two-way communication tools to drive student success,” said Rachel Blackwell, Digital Learning Facilitator for Pulaski County Special School District. “Together, we can provide educators the resources and strategies to make informed decisions and strengthen relationships with students and families.”
“Hearing directly from customers is crucial to ensuring that we never lose sight of the realities in the classroom,” said Russ Davis, Founder and CEO of SchoolStatus. “At SchoolStatus, we firmly believe that educators’ voices must be central in shaping education technology. Our Customer Advisory Board enables us to directly collaborate with the people who best understand the needs of schools and districts across the U.S. so we can continue innovating and providing the best solutions to support all students.”
Members of the CAB were selected based on their deep knowledge of education technology, passion for improving learning outcomes, and success in supporting students’ academic achievements and families’ evolving needs. Over the coming months, they will meet with SchoolStatus leadership to provide feedback and collaborate on strategic initiatives.
Representing seven U.S. states, the 2024-25 CAB includes the following members:
La’Toya Atterberry, District Instructional Technology Specialist, Meridian Public School District, Mississippi
La’Toya Atterberry is the District Instructional Technology Specialist for Meridian Public School District in Meridian, Mississippi. She has worked at MPSD since 2019 and was previously with Kemper County School District (eight years) and Meridian Community College (eight years). La’Toya works as an adjunct instructor for Mississippi State University, teaching Digital Tools for Learning to future teachers. She also serves as 3rd Anti President of Auxiliaries for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Alpha Alpha Zeta Chapter Dekalb, MS. She loves showing teachers and students how to integrate technology into the classroom to enhance student learning. Additionally, La’Toya is the Assistant Boys and Girls Powerlifting Coach for THEE Meridian High School. Outside of education, La’Toya is a four-time World Powerlifting Champion. She holds four National titles, four State titles, and competes yearly in powerlifting across the U.S.
Rachel Blackwell, Instructional Technology/Digital Learning Facilitator, Pulaski County Special School District, Arkansas
Rachel Blackwell has been with Pulaski County Special School District for 18 years. She began as a classroom teacher before transitioning to math instructional facilitator. For the last nine years, she has been a part of the Instructional Technology. Rachel and her husband Dennis have been married for 21 years and have two children (15 & 8). Her family attends and serves as deacons as well as part of the Young Family Leadership Team at New Life Church. Rachel can also be found on the baseball field cheering on her son or cleaning up one of her daughter’s creative messes. She enjoys, traveling, amusement parks & spending time with her family.
Johnny Gonzalez, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, Sanger Unified School District, California
Johnny Gonzalez has worked in the field of education for Sanger Unified School District for over 16 years and had the pleasure of being raised in Sanger Unified. Although he did not graduate from Sanger High, he is proud to be Sanger Unified bred. Johnny has worked with great mentors and exceptional leaders, including Mr. Castillo and Dr. Weichmann, who helped guide his journey as a teacher, principal, and district administrator. Johnny is married to Chistina (14 years) and father to Giannis. He is passionate about calibrating and collaborating with all people in the field of education—and in life.
Dr. Keri Johnson, Superintendent, Tuscaloosa County School System, Alabama
Dr. Keri Johnson has been the Superintendent of the Tuscaloosa County School System since June 2020. She is in her 25th year of service in public education and has also served as a teacher and administrator in various positions at the school and district levels in the Oxford City, Shelby County, and Alabaster City School Systems. Dr. Johnson has a Bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University in Special Education, a Master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Special Education, an Ed.S. from the University of Montevallo in Educational Leadership, and an Ed.D. from Samford University in Educational Leadership. She has taught special education classes as an adjunct professor for the University of Montevallo and Samford University and currently teaches graduate-level special education courses at the University of Alabama. She serves on the State of Alabama Accountability Taskforce and is a proud advocate of public education. Dr. Johnsons is a member of the Alabama Transformational Leadership Academy and recently completed the School Superintendents Association’s National Superintendent Certification Program. She recently founded the first group for women superintendents in Alabama – LeadHERship Alabama. Dr. Johnson is married to Chris Johnson, and she has three children: Emily, Abby, and Will. Emily attends The Washington & Lee School of Law. Abby and Will are both students at the University of Alabama.
Dr. Kristina Pollard, Assistant Superintendent, Leake County School District, Mississippi
With a career that’s been a shining beacon in education since 1998, Dr. Kristina Pollard is a true education trailblazer. Her extensive 22-year journey has seen her in various key roles, from a biology teacher in the Dallas Public School District to becoming a technology facilitator, Assistant Principal, and Principal in elementary, middle, and high school settings. Not stopping there, Dr. Pollard served as the Director of H.E.L.P. for the College of Education at Marshall University, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence. Dr. Kristina Pollard was appointed as the Assistant Superintendent for Leake County School District in February 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Jackson State University, a master’s degree in elementary education from William Carey University, and a specialist’s degree in administrative leadership from Walden University. She recently earned her doctorate at William Carey University, showcasing her dedication to lifelong learning. Dr. Pollard co-authored “Women Who Lead in Education Featuring School Principals” and serves as co-host of the Class Dismissed Podcast, where she discusses educational news and shares inspirational ideas.
Stoney Rogers, Technology Integration Specialist, Pascagoula-Gautier School District, Mississippi
Stoney Rogers is a Technology Integration Specialist for the Pascagoula-Gautier School District (PGSD), where he collaborates with Pre-K through 12th-grade teachers to seamlessly integrate technology resources into the classroom. With a strong passion for enhancing education through technology, he has presented at the annual Mississippi Educational Computing Association (MECA) conference numerous times and has served on the MECA board, helping to advance technology integration across the state. Before joining the PGSD Technology Department, Stoney was a Language Arts teacher at Trent Lott Academy for five years. His dedication and expertise in educational technology were recognized when he was named the Mississippi Educational Computing Association’s Technology Integration Specialist of the Year in 2024. Stoney is also a devoted husband and father, sharing his life with his wife and their four children.
Amanda Samples, Assistant Superintendent, DeSoto County Schools, Mississippi
Amanda Samples is an education veteran with 23 years of dedication to fostering student success. She served as a head principal for nine years and spent six years at the district office, and is now embarking on an exciting journey as the Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services. Beyond the professional realm, she is a proud mom to a rising Senior in high school and a 6th grader beginning middle school. In her downtime, you’ll find Amanda immersed in the pages of a good book, tending to her flowers, or indulging in the guilty pleasure of reality TV.
Dr. Jeff Seeton, Assistant Superintendent, Lake Worth ISD, Texas
Dr. Jeff Seeton’s distinguished 21 years in education, including years in educational leadership, show his dedication to fostering an environment of academic excellence. Before being appointed Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Seeton served as Principal at Lake Worth High School and held various roles related to the success of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including Director of CTE at White Settlement ISD, Dean of Students at Crowley ISD, and CTE Instructor at Crowley ISD, Katy ISD, and Alvarado ISD.
He earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from The University of Texas at Arlington and his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at El Paso. As Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Seeton plays a vital role in advancing the district’s educational goals, implementing innovative teaching strategies, and ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive learning experience for Lake Worth ISD students.
Dr. LaTonya Shepherd, Public Information and Family & Community Outreach Officer, Santa Rosa County District Schools, Florida
Dr. LaTonya Shepherd received her leadership foundation at Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church. She currently resides in Milton, Florida where she remains active in ministry. She serves on several community action organizations, as a consultant for the MIA (Men in Action) Program, and a member of the Department of Juvenile Justice Urban League. Dr. Shepherd was the Asst. Principal and Principal for Avalon Middle School from 2014-2018 before being appointed the district’s Public Information and Family and Community Outreach Officer. While serving as an administrator at Avalon, she led one of the district’s largest school climate and culture shifts; thus, advancing the school from a seven-year run of being a B-graded school, to being an A-graded school. Under her leadership, Avalon became a premiere education destination for both students and their families, and those seeking employment in the educational field. Dr. Shepherd is married to Brett (18 years), a history teacher, and is the adoptive mother to Kayden. She is a fierce educational advocate who consistently seeks to provide students and educators with the practical tools they need to be successful.
Jastassia White, Assistant Principal, Hattiesburg High School, Mississippi
Jastassia White is a proud alumnus of Mississippi State University. She holds an undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Master’s Degree in Counseling, and a Specialist’s Degree in Educational Leadership, all of which have equipped her with the necessary skills and knowledge to serve her students effectively. Jastassia serves as Treasurer of Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Alpha Gamma Chapter, is a member of the Woodlawn Church, and is a Board member of Divine Girl Coalition, Mississippi Professional Educators, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Lambda Kappa Zeta Chapter. Jastassia has volunteered for many community organizations but is most excited about the potential opportunity to serve as a member of the Customer Advisory Board for School Status. In her downtime, she enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family.
For more information on SchoolStatus, visit www.schoolstatus.com.
About SchoolStatus
SchoolStatus is a unified K-12 platform that leverages family engagement to drive greater impact for students in your district. Our solutions are customized to align with your strategic goals and outcomes across school-home communication, attendance, and educator development. Serving over 22 million students across all 50 states, SchoolStatus provides data-backed insights that break down barriers and build relationships between school and home—so that every student is known by name and by need. Because when schools and families come together, there’s no limit to what students can achieve. For more information, visit schoolstatus.com.