Mississippi’s private school league is facing a leadership change after its executive director stepped down less than halfway through the 2023-24 school year.
The Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS), which is headquartered in Pearl but fields athletics teams from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee in addition to Mississippi, confirmed Tuesday that Shane Blanton had resigned from his role as executive director.
While the MAIS did not expound on Blanton’s departure, a resignation letter penned by Blanton was obtained by SuperTalk Mississippi News. In the letter, Blanton cited “personal reasons” for deciding to leave the post after over a decade.
“Writing this letter has been one of the most challenging steps I’ve taken,” Blanton wrote. “After careful consideration, I’ve decided that it is time for me to step back from my role as Executive Director of MAIS for personal reasons that require my full attention. My commitment to MAIS runs deep, and I will assist with a seamless transition, given the various responsibilities I’ve held beyond my official role.”
In the letter, Blanton highlighted achievements the MAIS experienced in recent years, including the number of schools participating. The association currently serves 136 member schools, 6,000 faculty and staff, and 50,000 students. The MAIS also underwent various realignments under Blanton, including the addition of a 6A classification.
“In the realm of accreditation, MAIS has undergone a profound restructuring to foster regional partnerships and streamline processes,” Blanton continued. “Our newly developed portal has revolutionized the accreditation journey, offering a seamless experience for schools and administrators alike.”
Blanton also noted financial growth the MAIS has seen, reporting a 300% increase in revenue and a 900% increase in foundation funds.
The full resignation letter from Blanton can be viewed below:
Writing this letter has been one of the most challenging steps I’ve taken. After careful consideration, I’ve decided that it is time for me to step back from my role as Executive Director of MAIS for personal reasons that require my full attention. My commitment to MAIS runs deep, and I will assist with a seamless transition, given the various responsibilities I’ve held beyond my official role.
My tenure with MAIS has been one of dedication and growth. I care deeply for this organization and can continue to contribute from a different perspective until it is ready to move forward. This association has been my life for over a decade, often to my personal detriment, and I want to ensure its continued success. Thank you for your understanding, and I remain committed to supporting MAIS during this time.
Reflecting on the past years, we’ve embarked on a journey marked by innovation, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Our commitment to serving our 136 member schools, 6000 dedicated faculty and staff, and 50,000 students remains unwavering as we navigate through challenges and opportunities on the horizon.
In the realm of accreditation, MAIS has undergone a profound restructuring to foster regional partnerships and streamline processes. Our newly developed portal has revolutionized the accreditation journey, offering a seamless experience for schools and administrators alike. This strategic overhaul ensures that our member schools uphold the highest educational quality and excellence standards.
Furthermore, our efforts in teacher certification have witnessed remarkable progress.
Through strategic public-private partnerships and the implementation of digitized processes, we have simplified the certification process and expanded access to accredited certification pathways. By investing in the professional development of educators, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter future for our students.
Athletics has emerged as a beacon of growth and opportunity within MAIS. We are proud to report a staggering 300% increase in revenue, underscoring our commitment to fostering a thriving athletic ecosystem. Our championship network’s expansion, strategic event planning, and the development of All-Star and Futures programs have solidified MAIS as a regional powerhouse in athletic excellence.
Financially, MAIS stands on a solid foundation, having achieved debt-free status and a remarkable 900% increase in reserve revenue. Our sponsorship initiatives have seen tremendous growth, increasing annual sponsorship revenue from $25,000 to over $200,000 thanks to our strong national partnerships and innovative programs that generate sustainable revenue streams. These financial milestones are a testament to our prudent stewardship and strategic planning.
