Superintendent Bio
Dr. Marlon King
Dr. Marlon King, an educational leader within the state of Tennessee, assumed the role of Superintendent for the Jackson-Madison County School System in July 2020.
Hailing from rural West Tennessee, Dr. King has always had a deep-rooted connection to public schools, having attended them himself.
With an unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of public education, he has devoted almost thirty years of his career to this noble cause.
Marlon's professional journey sets him apart from many educators in Tennessee, as he has gained a wealth of diverse experiences throughout his tenure.
His impressive background encompasses roles as a teacher (Shelby County Schools - legacy), principal (Fayette County Schools), Superintendent (Haywood, Fayette, and Jackson-Madison Counties), and executive director (Tennessee Department of Education), all within the Tennessee education landscape.
Academically, Marlon earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, TN. He furthered his educational pursuits with a Master of Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. Notably, he achieved the distinction of being named the Outstanding Doctoral of Education Student at the 68th Annual Honors Convocation while pursuing his Doctoral degree at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS.
Beyond his demanding professional responsibilities, Marlon finds solace and fulfillment in various personal interests. He maintains an active lifestyle, engaging in workouts, running, and immersing himself in reading autobiographies, self-improvement literature, and nonfiction accounts.
Dr. King is happily married to Latisha King, a dedicated middle school teacher, and together they are proud parents to their son, Hudson, who currently attends the Jackson- Madison County School System.
Dr. King was named Southwest Region Superintendent of the Year by the Tennessee School Boards Association in 2024.
I told him all I wanted is results for the kids. Ever since then I've tried to take the focus off the politics off him so he can focus on the kids and it seems to be working. I'm very pleased. I'm proud of Dr. King for the job he's doing right now.Mr. Mike Taylor Madison County Commission Chairman
As someone who's had the privilege of serving on both the school board and the county commission, I can honestly say it's refreshing to see the kind of leadership Dr. King brings to our district. He's created a culture that celebrates our students in meaningful ways, while at the same time raising the bar when it comes to academic expectations. It's not just about recognizing success—it's about expecting it from every student in every school.
Jason Compton JMCSS School Board member & athletics committee chair
Having worked under Superintendent King for the past five years, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply he values every employee—not just those in the district office, but also the teachers, support staff, and everyone who keeps our schools running. His leadership isn’t just about policies and decisions; it’s about people. He leads with care, making sure that every staff member feels heard, supported, and appreciated. That kind of leadership is rare, and it’s truly inspiring to be part of a team guided by his vision.
Dr. Kimberly Quinn Principal, Northeast Middle School