Meet Our Leaders
Clinton Spencer IV
Clinton Spencer IV serves as the Executive Director for FUNDI Charter School. He brings several years of experience in public policy and education, with expertise in legislative operations, curriculum development, and administrative leadership.
Currently, Clinton serves as a History Teacher at Emmanuel Christian School, where he designs standards-aligned curricula for grades 4–12 and utilizes digital learning tools to enhance student engagement. Previously, he held roles including Executive Assistant for the U.S. House Committee on Education and The Workforce and Staff Assistant for Congressman Michael Guest, demonstrating a proven track record in budget preparation, stakeholder engagement, and high-level organizational management.
Clinton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History from The University of Mississippi. His commitment to educational equity and economic opportunity aligns directly with FUNDI's mission to prepare Yazoo City students for STEAM careers and entrepreneurship.
As an education professional based in Jackson, Clinton is dedicated to fostering community-driven solutions that bridge the gap between academic rigor and vocational excellence.
Jamal Barksdale
Jay Barksdale serves as the Chief Compliance Officer for FUNDI Charter School. He brings several years of experience in program management and policy development, with expertise in public contract negotiation, compliance, and government administration.
Currently, Jay serves as a Teacher at Forest Hill High School in Jackson, MS where he designs standards-aligned instruction and implements structured classroom systems for accountability and progress monitoring. Previously, he held roles including Compliance Supervisor for the Mississippi Department of Human Services and Procurement Specialist for the Mississippi Department of Education. In these positions, he demonstrated a proven track record in quality control auditing, standardizing review processes to GAGAS Yellow Book standards, and optimizing procurement procedures.
Jay holds a Master of Public Policy & Administration and a Bachelor of Science in History from Mississippi State University. His commitment to educational equity and economic opportunity aligns directly with FUNDI's mission to prepare Yazoo City students for STEAM careers and entrepreneurship.
With a strong background in both direct education and state-level oversight, Jay is dedicated to leveraging his skills in policy management and problem-solving to drive organizational success for the school community.
Monica Knight
Monica Knight serves as the Director of Admissions for FUNDI Charter School. She brings more than 10 years of experience in public service and general government administration, with expertise in project management, mentorship, and policy enforcement.
Currently, Monica serves as an Admissions Counselor at Millsaps College; paired with her previous experience as a Unit Leader for AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), she managed and lead up to 140 Corps Members and 16 Team Leaders while overseeing recruitment and screening making her a strong asset in the procurement for student success and helping maintain integral community relationships. Previously, she held roles including Member Support Specialist, demonstrating a proven track record in human resource actions, member onboarding, and relational customer care.
Monica holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Social Work and Education from Jackson State University. Her commitment to educational equity and economic opportunity aligns directly with FUNDI's mission to prepare Yazoo City students for STEAM careers and entrepreneurship.
With her extensive background in coaching and community service, Monica is dedicated to creating a seamless and supportive entry point for all families joining the FUNDI community.
Byron Poindexter II
Byron C. Poindexter II, CPA, serves as the Financial Officer for the FUNDI Charter School for Business and Vocational Excellence. A dual-licensed Certified Public Accountant in both Mississippi and Virginia, Mr. Poindexter brings a robust background in accounting, taxation, and data analytics to the Leadership Team.
He holds a Master of Taxation and Data Analytics, as well as a Bachelor of Accountancy with a minor in Finance, both earned from The University of Mississippi. Before joining the school's leadership, he gained high-level expertise in government consulting as an Analyst with Deloitte Consulting in the Washington, DC Metro Area, where he assisted clients with complex business problem-solving. His professional background also includes impactful public service as a Tax Auditor 1 for the Mississippi Department of Revenue, where he conducted comprehensive tax audits for out-of-state companies.
Additionally, Mr. Poindexter has honed his auditing and financial principles through roles at prominent organizations including HORNE, LLP, FORVIS, LLP, and Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. His commitment to precision, compliance, and strategic financial management will be instrumental in laying a strong, sustainable foundation for the students and families of Yazoo City.