Principal

Ms. Tara Ladner is the principal of Hancock High School. She has served the
students in Hancock County School District as a teacher, lead teacher, and
administrator. She is currently in her ninth year as principal at Hancock High School.
While Tara did not graduate from Hancock County Schools, she will tell you she “got
there as quick as she could”. 

Ms. Ladner graduated from Pearl River Community College and the University of
Southern Mississippi with a degree in mathematics. She began her teaching career at
Harrison Central High School before moving to Hancock High School. Her passion
for education and her gift of leadership led to many roles in the district at both the
secondary level and the elementary level, including serving as Principal at East
Hancock Elementary. 

Tara has received many accolades throughout her educational career including
multiple Teacher of the Year and Administrator of the Year awards.  During her
time at East Hancock, the school received its first National Blue Ribbon designation
in 2013. She has also had the honor of serving on advisory boards for the State
Superintendent of Education and the University of Southern Mississippi Secondary
Mathematics Education. In 2017, Ms. Ladner completed Leadership Hancock County.
She has been recognized by students and teachers through the years, including an
honorary Hancock High School diploma and a yearbook dedication that are among
her most prized accolades.

Ms. Ladner has been married for 30 years to her husband, David, who is also a
teacher for Hancock County School District. They have three daughters who have all
graduated from Hancock High School.