Kenneth Burns began his teaching career at George County High School in 2013. He currently serves as the College and Career Readiness (CCR) teacher and is also a member of the football coaching staff. Now in his 13th year in education, Kenneth is committed to preparing students for success beyond high school while continuing to invest in the development of student-athletes on and off the field.

Brandon Davis

Educator | Coach | Athletic Coordinator | Pastor

Brandon Davis is a dedicated educator and coach with 24 years of experience, 17 of which have been spent serving the students and athletes of George County High School. He has led the school's baseball program as Head Coach for the past 15 years and currently serves as the Athletic Coordinator. His career in coaching spans an impressive 24 years, marked by a legacy of excellence and leadership.

Throughout his coaching career, Coach Davis has guided teams to eight state championship appearances, securing four state titles — three at Richton High School (2007, 2008, 2010) and one at George County in 2024. As a player, he competed in two state championship games, winning in 1997 with George County. That same year, he was drafted in the 32nd round by the New York Yankees. He continued his playing career at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (1997–1999) and completed his education at the University of South Alabama in 2001. He earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2004.

In 2024, Coach Davis was honored as the NFHS Coach of the Year, also receiving Regional Coach of the Year—an award spanning nine states—recognizing his leadership, sportsmanship, and lasting impact on high school athletics.

Beyond the field, Brandon has been the pastor of Vernal Full Gospel Church for the past 16 years, demonstrating his commitment to faith, service, and community. He and his wife, Tabitha, have been married for 24 years and are the proud parents of five children: Jack (21), Ben (19), Grant (12), and twins Sadie and Sophie (10).

Coach Davis is widely respected for his character, consistency, and deep-rooted passion for mentoring young people both in sports and in life.

Haley Hopkins is a self-contained special education teacher and IEP team leader with 10 years of experience in education. She earned her undergraduate degree in 2019 from William Carey University and is currently in her final term of earning her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Western Governors University. Haley is currently licensed in the areas of Reading and English K-12 and Mild/Moderate Disabilities K-12 with plans to add areas in the future. Although she started her teaching career in general education, special education is where her heart is. She connects with students of all abilities and implements innovative strategies that make learning accessible and engaging for all learners. Haley believes in the importance of recognizing not only academic growth but also social, emotional, and behavioral growth. Her goal in the future is to use her experience and knowledge to coach and lead other special education teachers. 

Mr. Hughes is in his 5th year teaching and coaching. This is his 4th year in the George County School District and at George County Middle School. He teaches 7th Grade Science and is an assistant middle school Football, Boys Basketball, and Softball Coach. Mr. Hughes earned his Bachelors in Sports Coaching Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. He earned his Masters in Education from William Carey University. He will be graduating from Arkansas State University in December 2025, with a Specialist in Education, Principal Leadership. He is happily married to my loving wife Morgan Hughes for over three years now.

Carla M. Ladnier is an educator and licensed professional counselor with more than two decades of combined experience in clinical practice and education. She holds a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi, a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of South Alabama. She is also a National Board-Certified Counselor and maintains professional counseling licenses in both Mississippi and Alabama.

Her career includes extensive clinical leadership as Assistant Director at BayPointe Hospital, where she managed residential and day treatment programs, supervised therapists, and coordinated behavioral health services. Transitioning into K–12 education, Mrs. Ladnier has served as District Behavior Specialist, Inclusion Teacher, and currently as an Alternative School Teacher with the George County School District. She is dedicated to fostering student success through trauma-informed practices, behavior management, and a strong commitment to academic and social-emotional growth.

Tyler Williams is an alumnus of the George County School District and is in his 11th year of teaching at George County High School. Over the last decade, he has taught English I, English III, English IV, ACT Prep, English Composition I, and English Composition II. During that time, he has served as Head Coach of the men's soccer team with four region titles, three South State appearances, and one State Championship appearance. Last year, the Rebels won the 2024/2025 6a State Championship for the first time in school history, and Tyler Williams was named the 2025 Sun Herald Soccer Coach of the Year. Currently, he is the Head Coach of the men's and women's high school soccer teams. Tyler Williams is a graduate of The University of South Alabama and resides within The County with his wife, Mariel, and his two sons, Kylian and Arthur. 

Layne Jones is a dedicated and passionate elementary educator with a strong commitment to fostering academic, emotional, and social growth in her students. With a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Alabama and an endorsement in Special Education, Layne brings both expertise and compassion to the classroom. Since beginning her teaching career in 2018, she has taught both first and third grades. She currently serves as a third-grade math teacher at Rocky Creek Elementary. Layne is known for her student-centered approach, using data-driven strategies, hands-on learning, and differentiated instruction to meet diverse student needs. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom through participation on Building Leadership Teams, district-level committees, and other school committees. She has also been a grade level chairperson and a mentor teacher. Layne has been recognized with several honors, including the Early Career Educator of the Year by the Mississippi Association of Educators and multiple awards from the Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools. She plans to pursue a degree in Educational Leadership. 

Mr. VanVleck is an experienced Special Education Teacher with 18 years of dedication to supporting diverse learners and fostering inclusive classrooms. He currently serves as the IEP Team Lead at George County High School, where he oversees the development, coordination, and implementation of Individualized Education Programs. In this role, he guides collaborative meetings with teachers, families, and service providers to ensure each student’s plan is tailored to their strengths and needs, while also maintaining compliance with state and federal requirements.

Before beginning his career in education, Mr. VanVleck proudly served as an active duty service member in the United States Army. Following his service, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources and later obtained his teaching credentials from William Carey University. This unique background has equipped him with strong leadership skills, a commitment to service, and a deep sense of responsibility in guiding students toward success.

Skilled in creating engaging instructional strategies, building strong partnerships with families, and mentoring colleagues, Mr. VanVleck is passionate about advocating for students with unique learning needs. His leadership as IEP Team Lead reflects his dedication to ensuring all students have access to the tools and support necessary for success.

Beyond his professional role, family is central to his life. He and his wife, who is also an educator, share a passion for serving students and supporting their community. Together, they have raised three children, of whom they are incredibly proud.