Administration

Dr. LaRoy Merrick

Dr. LaRoy Merrick has spent a decade in JPS working with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Previously, he served as an IB coordinator, responsible for planning and overseeing the implementation and management of the program; coordination of all IB-related activities, including implementing curriculum standards, designing and implementing professional development, overseeing the program of inquiry and unit development, and student recruitment and evaluation efforts; and facilitating the collaborative efforts of the Primary Years Program for grades K-5, Middle Years Program for grades 6-10, and the Diploma Program for grades 11-12. Merrick began his career in JPS in 2011 at Siwell Middle School, Northwest Jackson Middle School, Jim Hill High School, and Wingfield High School. He also has experience in central administration as a coordinator of the District’s New Teacher Induction program.

Merrick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern Mississippi. He completed his Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership at Mississippi College, and he is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at Mississippi College.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.
• Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Mrs. Karen Minto 

Karen Minto is a dedicated educational leader with more than 27 years of experience in education, serving students and educators in Jamaica and the United States. Throughout her career, she has served as a classroom teacher, mentor teacher, mathematics lead teacher, Master Teacher, instructional coach, and administrative intern.

Mrs. Minto has a strong commitment to instructional excellence and continuous improvement. Her leadership has included mentoring teachers, facilitating professional development, supporting curriculum planning, analyzing student data, and strengthening instructional practices. Her work has contributed to measurable gains in mathematics achievement and improved school accountability ratings. She has also been recognized as Teacher of the Year at multiple stages of her career, including at Wells APAC.

Most recently, Mrs. Minto served as an Administrative Intern at Casey Elementary and Kirksey Middle School, supporting instructional leadership, school improvement, student support, data analysis, school operations, and family engagement.

Mrs. Minto holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Temple University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education, and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi.

As Assistant Principal at Walton Elementary, Mrs. Minto is committed to being a supportive, compassionate, and impactful leader. She believes students thrive when educators feel valued, high expectations are paired with meaningful support, and school communities work together. Guided by Nelson Mandela’s belief that education has the power to change the world, she is honored to serve and committed to making a lasting impact on students, staff, families, and the community.