Meet the Administration
Summer Allen
Principal
Mrs. Summer Allen is an alumnus of the Class of 2000 from Mantachie Attendance Center. She graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Specialist degree in Ed. Leadership. She has served as a teacher, department head, assistant principal, and Administrator/Coordinator for the Tupelo Public School District for fourteen years. In 2021, she returned to the ICSD to serve as Mantachie Elementary principal and is starting her nineteenth year in education.
Mrs. Allen has been married to Scotty Allen for nineteen years. She has one son, Jackson Allen, a senior at Mantachie High School. Her hobbies are cooking, attending sports events, and fishing with her boys. Mrs. Allen has deep roots and pride in her hometown of Mantachie, where she resides. She thrives with passion and dedication to our exceptional students, supportive parents, and committed staff members to identify pathways of success for all students.
Chris Nichols
Assistant Principal
Chris Nichols brings 14 years of educational experience to Mantachie Elementary School. Prior to joining Mantachie in 2015 as a Special Education teacher, he served students at Mooreville High School and Tupelo Middle School. During his time at Mantachie Elementary, he has taught 6th grade inclusion, served as MET Chair, worked as a bus driver, and coached powerlifting, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting students both in and beyond the classroom. He believes student success begins with strong, meaningful relationships. When students feel safe, welcomed, and valued, they are better able to learn and grow, and when teachers feel supported, they are empowered to do their best work. As an assistant principal, he is committed to fostering a positive, inclusive environment where both students and staff can thrive.
Chris is a graduate of Mooreville High School and a lifelong resident of Itawamba County. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Rebekah, sons (Aiden and Carson), as well as their boxer, Scout. He is an avid fan of movies and live music, and he values opportunities to attend concerts and travel with his family.