Assistant Principals
Mrs. Carla Bell- Assistant Principal
Carla M. Bell is a dedicated educational leader with over 23 years of experience in both public and private education. Currently serving as Assistant Principal at Lawrence County High School, Carla is committed to fostering holistic student development and creating learning environments where every child is valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Her career spans 20 years in public education across Brookhaven, Franklin County, and Lawrence County School Districts, and 3 years in private education at Millcreek. Carla began her journey as a classroom teacher, shaping young minds for 10.5 years before transitioning into administration, where she has served for the past 8 years.
Carla holds an Associate's Degree in Accounting from Copiah-Lincoln Community College, a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Alcorn State University, and a Master's Degree in Master of Arts in Teaching. She also completed the Mississippi Alternate Path to Quality School Leadership Program (MAPQSLP) through the Department of Education in partnership with the Mississippi Community College Foundation.
Her professional mission is to provide educational experiences that equip students with the cultural, social, and moral skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. Guided by the principle that “Students of Today are the Future of Tomorrow,” Carla strives to lead by example and inspire students to become productive citizens and positive contributors to society.
Beyond her professional role, Carla is a devoted wife to Gerry W. Bell, proud mother of Gerryion, and loving MiiMii to Brynleigh and Gerriya. She is an active member of Bude Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor Bell.
Mr. Eric Thurman- Assistant Principal
I’ve never been the loudest voice in the room—but I’ve always been the one still standing when the work was done.
My story isn’t about shortcuts, luck, or overnight success. It’s about consistency, pressure, accountability, and winning at every level I’ve been trusted to lead. From my earliest days in education and leadership, I learned one truth quickly: results don’t lie. You can talk vision all day, but eventually the scoreboard tells the truth. Wherever I’ve gone, I’ve carried that mindset with me—build people, demand excellence, and let the outcomes speak.
They always have.
I’ve had the opportunity to lead in challenging environments—places where expectations were high, resources were limited, and excuses were easy. I chose discipline over comfort. Standards over popularity. Growth over stagnation. And because of that approach, I’ve won at every level I’ve served.
The highlight that still defines my competitive edge came at my previous school, where our collective effort culminated in a state championship—a moment that validated years of preparation, sacrifice, and belief. But the trophy was never the goal. It was proof that when culture is right and leadership is steady, winning becomes inevitable.
What separates my journey from many others is this: I don’t chase wins—I build systems that produce them. I believe championships are earned long before the season begins, in daily habits, hard conversations, and unwavering expectations. Whether leading students, staff, or teams, my approach has always been the same:
- Create structure
- Develop people
- Hold the line
- Finish strong
I’ve seen what happens when accountability meets belief. I’ve watched underdogs rise, programs transform, and individuals discover potential they didn’t know they had. That’s the real reward—winning in ways that last longer than banners and trophies.
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