"Knowledge is power. Education is the key to knowledge, and public education is the vehicle for all students to learn the skills needed to transform themselves, others and the world around them. I pledge my support to MS public education. A thriving education for our students today has a positive economic effect for Mississippi's future."
~ JERRY DARNELL
ABOUT THE CANDIDATE
Originally from Tate County, Jerry Darnell is a product of Coldwater’s public schools. He earned a Bachelor of Art in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Mississippi.
Darnell has spent his entire career of 32 years in Mississippi public schools. He started out as a classroom teacher for six years and worked his way up to assistant principal and then principal within DeSoto County Schools, where he’s currently serving as the executive director of Academic Services. He is a member of two professional education organizations, the Mississippi Association of School Administrators and Mississippi Professional Educators.
Aside from his career in education, Darnell was previously elected as alderman for three terms in the town of Coldwater, served as a volunteer firefighter for 18 years and worked 12 summers as a part-time ranger at Arkabutla Lake through the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
He is a member of the Mississippi State Extension Advisory Committee, a board member for the DeSoto County Rotary Family Youth Initiative, a deacon at Colonial Hills Baptist Church and member of the Personal Team at Colonial Hills Baptist Church. He has been involved in other civic and community organizations, including the Hernando Rotary Club, Northwest Mississippi Planning Commission, DeSoto County Autism Association and the Tate County 911 Board.
Darnell and his wife, Gay, have three children who all attended Hernando schools in the DeSoto County School District. He enjoys working on the farm, hunting and fishing.
ABOUT HOUSE DISTRICT 28
Counties represented: DeSoto
School Districts represented: DeSoto County School District
Endorsed: 2019