Our Leadership Team

James Boyd

James began his career in mental health and juvenile justice, working with individuals in group homes, diversion programs, and a residential juvenile detention facility. While working with youth in residential facilities, James discovered impacting youth meant he had to change their trajectory before they became involved in the juvenile justice system. James began his educational career teaching high school social studies and later taught Special Education Language Arts and middle school science. Later, James became an assistant principal at an alternative education school for special education students. Under his leadership, his school was removed from Florida’s list of underperforming schools within one year. Along with his strong focus on classroom instruction and student outcomes, James also worked to increase the school’s positive impact in the community by creating a G.E.D. program on campus for parents and community members, a food pantry for students and the community, and partnerships with community stakeholders to teach his students entrepreneurial skills, computer programming, and financial literacy. James joins us after serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education at Providence Public Schools.

James earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of West Florida and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He is also a graduate of the Institute for Educational Innovation Aspiring Superintendent 2021 Cohort.

James is incredibly excited to be joining our team. Sitting through his interviews, hearing from his references, and having honest, follow-up conversations with James about the needs at KDPS, I believe James has the experience and perspective we need. I am confident that we’ll be poised to do incredible work for our students, families, and communities under his leadership.

Linda Murdock

Linda Murdock is a Chicago native and is glad to be a part of the Delta experience. Linda was a Human Resource Trainer for Boars Head Provisions, where she created and presented training to all employees and the management team. She spent 27 years in banking, with her last position as Vice President of Regions Bank, where she managed two bank branches. She began her career at KIPP Delta in 2014 as the Regional Operations Coordinator for the Central Office. In 2015, Linda moved into the role of Director of Operations for KIPP Forrest City College Preparatory School. She oversaw a campus that was in its Founding Year. Linda has held several operations roles, leading her to her current position, Managing Director of Regional Operations.

LaToya Jones

Originally from Mound Bayou, Mississippi, LaToya Jones graduated with a bachelor's degree and licensure in special education from Delta State University. After ten years of service teaching in the Mississippi Delta, she joined KIPP Delta Public Schools as the special education case manager. Still committed to increasing her pedagogy, she became the grade-level chair while teaching sixth-grade math at KIPP Delta College Preparatory School. Ms. Jones now serves as school principal at KIPP Delta Elementary Literacy Academy and is a Miles Family Fellow. She brings a wealth of leadership skills, including instructional coaching, vision-setting, communication, and stakeholder management.

Erika Hubbard

A graduate of Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., Erika Hubbard is the school principal at KIPP Blytheville Collegiate High. In 2014, Ms. Hubbard joined KIPP Blytheville Collegiate High as a founding teacher. Her passion for education and high expectations of students led her to become assistant principal. Her passion is driven by the notion and understanding that quality education is key to ensuring all students can lead a life of choice. Under her leadership, KIPP students have experienced consistent growth in ACT reading and English scores, an increase in student-earned college scholarships, and more students than ever before earning college credit while in high school. In addition to being school principal, Ms. Hubbard is a participant in the IMPACT Arkansas Educational Leadership Program and a fellow of the KIPP School Leadership Program.

Krista Harrell

Originally from Amy, Arkansas, Krista Harrell graduated with a bachelor's degree and licensure in Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation and a Master of Education degree in Special Education and Education Administration from Southern Arkansas University. She also earned an Educational Specialist degree in Education Administration from Harding University. After 13 years of teaching special education and working for the Arkansas Department of Education for three years, she joined KIPP Delta Public Schools as the Assistant Principal of Education at KIPP Blytheville Collegiate High School. Ms. Harrell now serves as school principal at KIPP Blytheville Collegiate High School. She is a fellow of the Relay GSE program. She believes that the greatest assets in our schools are our students and that it is our responsibility to ensure that students leave with an informed voice so that they have a life filled with choice.

Valeria Boyd Bostick

My name is Valeria Boyd-Bostick, and I am delighted to be a part of the KIPP Delta family and serve as your new school director/principal. Our school community has dedicated, talented members committed to doing what is in the best interest of our scholars. We will continue to put scholars first at KIPP Delta Collegiate High School and work diligently to ensure their success.

My professional background is rooted in education, leadership, and community relations. For the past twenty years, I have worked in public education as a leader, teacher, assistant principal college professor, special populations coordinator and school student support director. This is my first year in Phillips County, and I look forward to using these collective experiences as your new principal.

In addition to my professional achievements, my greatest accomplishment is my family. I am a mother to an amazing college Sophomore, Shawna. As a parent, I always want what is best for my daughter and will work tirelessly to ensure your children have the best possible experiences at KIPP Delta Collegiate High School.

This fall, I plan to work closely with Mr. Whitfield Jones (Assistant Principal), Miss Lee (Instructional Facilitator), and Senior Leadership personnel to ensure a smooth transition. During this time, I will learn more about our school, community, and the unique needs of our scholars, faculty, and staff. I am committed to embracing the positive traditions and practices that are already in place at KIPP Delta Collegiate High School while working diligently to ensure success for the future. My motto is, "Scholars First, Every Day," and I believe all children should receive an exemplary education in an environment that is safe and conducive to learning. Together we can help our children excel and provide them with an education that is second to none. I am honored and humbled to serve as the new principal for KIPP Delta Collegiate High School and look forward to meeting our parents and community members.

I am excited about all we will accomplish together for our children and look forward to celebrating our collective success this school year.

Tammy Manning

A Memphis, Tennessee, Tammy Manning, received her bachelor’s degree at Tennessee State University, her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, at Freed-Hardeman University, and her Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership at Arkansas Stat University. Ms. Manning has served as an assistant director, teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, instructional advisor over the last 22 years. Ms. Manning now serves as school principal at KIPP Delta College Preparatory School, in Helena, West Helena. Ms. Manning believes that her work is rooted in the belief that a great education is foundational to life success. She strives everyday to ensure that she promotes excellence for all, as a commitment to closing the achievement gap for all the students that she serves