Dr. Karen Norwood

Dr. Karen Norwood holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Counseling Psychology from Ole Miss and a Specialist and Doctoral degree in Educational Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. Additionally, she has completed prestigious programs at Harvard University, the Nissan National Superintendents Academy, and the Mississippi School Boards Association Superintendents Leadership Academy.

Dr. Norwood has made history as the first female Forest Municipal School District Superintendent since 2019. Before that, she served 13 years as Assistant Superintendent at Biloxi Public Schools, overseeing key areas such as Accreditation, Accountability, Assessment, Curriculum, and Secondary Programs. Her extensive career includes roles as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and high school principal.

A noted speaker at state, regional, and national conferences, Dr. Norwood is also a published author of six counseling programs. After 30 years in public education, she is retiring and joining Bailey Education Group as Director of Human Resources and a leadership consultant.

Dr. Norwood is married to Gary Bailey and has two daughters, Reagan and Avery.