Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,

It is with great excitement and heartfelt gratitude that I introduce myself as the new principal of the Mississippi School for the Blind. My name is Lakesha Meeks Doyle, and I am honored to serve this remarkable school community.

I’m a native of Canton, Mississippi, the daughter of Mary Hughes Meeks and the late Walter Meeks. I’m also a wife to Henry Doyle, Jr., and the proud mother of two sons, JaKorri and Javian. My family has always inspired my work, and they remind me daily of the importance of creating learning environments where every child feels valued and capable.

With over 20 years in education, my journey began as a teacher’s assistant in 1997. It didn’t take long for me to realize I had found my calling. I have since served as a preschool educator, after-school coordinator, academic tutor, permanent substitute, and elementary teacher. I have always had a deep love for teaching elementary grades—the joy of watching students grow academically, socially, and emotionally is unmatched. I believe in educating the whole child and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to shine.

In addition to classroom experience, I’ve worked as a Mississippi Department of Education Literacy Coach and Early Literacy Curriculum Coordinator with a local school district. Most recently, I served as the principal of McCoy Elementary School. When I arrived at McCoy, the school had faced many challenges. Through a shared vision and a belief in our mantra—“Our success is under construction”—we transformed our culture and improved student outcomes, earning a successful accountability rating in just two years.

My academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Jackson State University, a Master’s in Elementary Education from Kaplan University, and a Specialist in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to literacy initiatives across the state, including the development of the Text First Approach Canvas course and educational resources for Mississippi Public Broadcasting.

I am committed to leading with integrity, purpose, and passion. I believe that great schools are built by great people—and that success happens when we set high expectations, support one another, and act with intention. As I step into this new role, I look forward to partnering with each of you to ensure our students feel supported, celebrated, and prepared for bright futures.

Warm regards,

LaKesha Doyle

Principal, Mississippi School for the Blind

lakesha.doyle@msdbk12.org