Principal ‘devoted her life to the children’
As she steps into retirement after 16 years as principal, Sheila Burbridge is extremely proud of Columbia High School.
“Somebody made the statement to me that this school is not just one of the best schools in the state, it is one of the best schools in the country,” the veteran educator said. “The students and teachers here have done some amazing things. Academically we are strong, and we have continued to do well and grow, even before growth was the thing in the accountability model. Our school has done well.”
“Athletic-wise we also try to keep a good strong program. In the arts we keep a good strong program. The students know that my biggest thing has been that we want a school that is well rounded that nurtures and supports all children regardless of what their interests may be or where their talents lie. I’m proud to leave the school in a great place.”
The popular figure among students and alumni who is known as “Ms. B” is stepping down following this school year after more than three decades in education. Specifically, that’s 35.33 years of service credit, which she notes would have been more if she had not had to use some time when she battled cancer several years ago.
Burbridge and retiring Lead Teacher and former Athletic Director Bruce Ratcliff will be honored with a reception from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. May 23 at the CHS courtyard.
Burbridge reflected recently on her career as she sat in her office, which was full of boxes waiting to be packed. She started in Columbia on Feb. 1, 1998, as assistant principal under Gary Smyly after previously being a chemistry teacher and administrator at Hattiesburg High School.
“Mr. Smyly and I worked extremely well together, and we just had a great time. We had a lot of fun and then Mr. Smyly decided to retire and they opened the job up and people encouraged me to apply. My biggest encouragement came from coach (Charles) Boston and Mike Wallace.”
As a result, Burbridge took over as principal July 1, 2002, making her the school’s first African-American principal. She said the community has been supportive, but some needed to be won over when she was first hired.
“In the beginning there were some concerns because they had never had an African-American principal before,” she said. “I don’t know why, but everybody wasn’t quite nice to me because of the color of my skin. I don’t know whether it was the fear of the unknown or what. I had to work really hard. Mr. Smyly and Dr. (Hugh) Dickens hired me as an assistant principal. I didn’t ask to come here; Mr. Smyly reached out to me and asked me to come here. I couldn’t ask for two better people to work for. Dr. (Marietta) James hired me as the principal here. Dr. James and the school board at the time had confidence in me – coach Boston, Mike Wallace, Camille Breland, Gus Markins and Billy Rawls took a chance on me and I appreciate that. They supported me and they trusted me. They didn’t undermine what I was trying to do. They really just supported me. They knew that my heart was genuine for the children.”
That passion for preparing the next generation has made Burbridge emotional as she has prepared to leave.
“Even before I came to Columbia as a principal, as a teacher I was always the teacher that was involved with assisting the school’s counselors and administration with seniors and graduation,” she said. “From the beginning, I’ve been that teacher that was recruited to help do that. One of the reasons I think that is that I think I’ve built good relationships with people. It’s being able to connect with them.”
Burbridge said former students often contact her to catch up. That might be through a random text in the middle of the day or a letter in the mail earlier this year from a former student.
“It makes me feel good – that’s something that money can’t buy,” she said.
Former Columbia School District Superintendent Marietta James-Mattox said Burbridge had a tremendous impact on the school.
“She’s a dynamic leader,” James-Mattox said. “She is very innovative. She always thought about what was in the best interest of the students. Under her leadership we were a STAR School several years ago. She also implemented a program of taking students to Saints games as a reward for academics, athletics or attitude. She threw that idea out many years ago. I think the kids enjoyed that. The high school has done very well academically under her leadership.”
James, who retired last year, said that Burbridge was one of the first people hired for her positions after James took the helm of the district.
“When I came in to interview for the position, she was the assistant principal and she asked whether I would consider hiring from within,” James said. “Gary Smyly was retiring as principal and she expressed interest in the position. She wanted to make Columbia High School her home. She was undoubtedly the best qualified for the position. She’s left her mark on CHS, that’s for sure. She been not only a professional colleague, but a personal friend. It’s been a blessing to know her.”
Columbia School District Superintendent Jason Harris said Burbridge was exemplary in her service,
“Columbia is losing someone who has been a big part of the Wildcat family,” he said. “They’re losing someone who has devoted her life to the children – that says a lot about her. High principal is a special position; it’s not just a job, it’s a passion. You sacrifice your time and your family. No doubt, Sheila has done that. We’re grateful for her years of service to the students of Columbia and Hattiesburg. She worked for the betterment of the state of Mississippi.”
In retirement, Burbridge is not sure what will happen next, although she said she’s had a lot of people contact her about opportunities. She said she’s told them to just give her a chance to finish this year out because her students deserve it.
“Then I say just let me have one day that I can roll over and say that I don’t have to get up because I am officially retired,” she said. “Then I’ll entertain some of the options.”
Burbridge said she hopes the transition to the next principal is smooth. The school board hired North Panola High School Principal Braxton Stowe, 31, in March to start July 1.
“My message as I leave is to get behind him and support him,” Burbridge said. “There are so many people to thank. The community and parents have been amazing. I couldn’t ask for a better place to retire. Pray that good things continue to happen.”
Pictured Above: Columbia High School Principal Sheila Burbridge will preside over her final graduation at the school Saturday. “Ms. B” is retiring after more than 35 years in education. | Photo by Mark Rogers
