April Rucker Named DeSoto County Schools Administrator of the Year
Photo: Southaven Intermediate School principal April Rucker, named DeSoto County Schools Administrator of the Year. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
Southaven, Miss. — April Rucker, principal of Southaven Intermediate School, has been named DeSoto County Schools Administrator of the Year. For Rucker, the honor is both humbling and deeply personal.
“I’m still in shock,” Rucker said. “When I think about Administrator of the Year, so many other people come to mind—mentors, former principals, colleagues who have poured into me. This award isn’t just about me; it’s about all of them too.”
From Assistant Principal to Leader
Rucker’s career has come full circle. She began as an assistant principal at Southaven Intermediate before moving to Lake Cormorant Elementary as principal. In 2023, she returned to Southaven Intermediate to lead the school she once supported.
“It’s special because I’ve seen this school from all angles,” she explained. “Now the accountability rests on my shoulders, but I can also train my assistant principals from experience. I’ve done the responsibilities they’re doing now, right here in this building.”
Rural Roots vs. City Challenges
Her leadership experience spans both rural and urban campuses. At Lake Cormorant, she found a close-knit community where many teachers and families had been there since the school opened. Southaven Intermediate, by contrast, is more transient, with students and teachers arriving from across Mississippi, the Delta, and Memphis.
“Lake Cormorant is very settled, while Southaven has always been transient,” Rucker said. “But we’re growing. With consistent leadership and investment in this community, we’re retaining more teachers and building stability.”
Building a Culture of Hard Work
Rucker emphasizes culture as the defining trait of Southaven Intermediate.
“What sets us apart is that we work hard every single day, every hour, every minute,” she said. “When students arrive, many are below grade level in reading. It’s not our fault, but it is our problem. Every teacher here is also a reading teacher. For 30 minutes every day, we stop everything for reading instruction. That’s how we’ve seen growth.”
Tackling Challenges Head-On
Absenteeism and tardiness are among the school’s biggest challenges. Rucker personally greets families each morning to encourage punctuality.
“I stand outside every morning at 8:25. If a child is late, parents have to walk them in. We’ve seen tardiness decrease because parents don’t want to get out of their cars,” she said.
Faith, Family, and Community
Rucker credits her faith and family for shaping her leadership style.
“For me, it’s God, family, and church,” she said. “My husband is a great leader, and our six children are active in Brown Missionary Baptist Church. That balance keeps me grounded, and I bring that same mentality into the school.”
Advice for Future Leaders
To young educators aspiring to become administrators, Rucker offers simple but powerful advice:
“Work hard. Put students first,” Rucker said. “Get a mentor who will encourage you and be honest with you. Every decision I make is about what’s best for kids.”
Staying Motivated
Rucker’s motivation comes from seeing students succeed and feel safe.
“Education wasn’t my first career, but I got into it to be around my kids,” said Rucker. “That turned into loving every kid. Every child who walks into this building knows they’re safe. If they need a coat, we have one. If their hair isn’t combed, I’ll comb it. Our teachers greet students at the door every morning with a smile. That’s how we know if there’s a need, and we address it right away.”
