The Webster County School District is once again an A-rated district, as are three of its schools, and another has improved its accountability grade.
The Mississippi Department of Education presented school and district accountability grades for the 2022-23 school year to the state Board of Education on Sept. 28.
The WCSD maintained an A for the second consecutive year. Three of its schools also maintained their A ratings: Eupora Elementary, East Webster Elementary and East Webster High. Eupora High School achieved a B, improving upon its C rating in 2022.
“I am so proud that we are once again an A-rated school district,” Superintendent James Mason stated. “Every school in our district increased in total accountability points from last year. That's a great accomplishment. This is due to the hard work and dedication of our principals, teachers, support staff, school board members and students of Webster County Schools.”
Statewide student assessment data make up a large part of accountability grades. In 2022-23, the overall percentage of students scoring proficient and advanced reached an all-time high in mathematics, English Language Arts, science and U.S. History.
“This year’s school and district grades provide further evidence that Mississippi teachers, school leaders and staff have done an outstanding job helping students accelerate learning after the disruptions of the pandemic,” said Dr. Raymond Morgigno, interim state superintendent of education. “I am confident our schools will build upon these achievements so that all students are proficient and prepared for success after high school.”
Since 2020, school districts and the state have invested federal pandemic-relief funds in programs and services to overcome pandemic disruptions and accelerate student learning. The additional funds enabled districts to pay for extended learning days, tutorial services and intensive interventions, among other supports.
State investments include the Mississippi Connects digital learning initiative, which provided all students with a computer device, and services including on-demand tutoring, high-quality digital curriculum subscriptions and digital learning coaches for teachers. Pandemic-relief funds for these services will end in September 2024, and school districts will be responsible for paying for any services they wish to continue.
Mississippi’s accountability grades help teachers, school leaders, parents and communities know how well their local schools and districts are serving their students. The components of the state’s accountability system are based on state and federal law and state board policy.
