Jefferson Davis County has earned a “B” rating when it comes to accountability grades for the 2023-2024 school year.  This is the highest grade the school district has ever received.

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) released accountability grades for the 2023-24 school year Tuesday, which show 85.7% of schools and 93.9% of districts earned a grade of C or higher.

The largest-ever share of Mississippi districts are now rated A, B or C.

“We have earned this rating with sweat and sacrifice,” said Jefferson Davis County Superintendent Ike Haynes, Jr. “I am so proud of our students and staff and every resident of our county should be also,” he said.

Statewide student assessment data make up a large part of accountability grades.

In 2023-24, the overall percentage of students scoring proficient and advanced reached an all-time high in mathematics, English Language Arts (ELA) and science. 

G. W. Carver Elementary improved from the previous year and is now an A rated school. J. E. Johnson earned a B, remaining the same as the previous year.

“Our scholars are accomplishing what many thought impossible and our entire school community deserves nothing but praise,” said Haynes. “We will get that A,” he said.

In elementary and middle schools, up to 700 points can be earned. Growth makes up more than half the grade (380 of 700 points). Carver had 449 points with Johnson having 393.

Jefferson Davis County Middle School earned a C rating with 346 points improving from a D in its first year of existence last year.

“I am beyond thrilled to announce that Jefferson Davis County School District has earned its first ever B rating,” said School Board President Shonda Burre. “This is a historic achievement for our district, made possible by the relentless efforts of our students, teachers, administrators, parents, board members, superintendent, stakeholders and the entire community,” she said. 

Burre says this B is a testament to the power of accountability and shared commitment to excellence.

This year’s JDC district motto is, We Are All In.

“We are all in and the JaguarWay drives us forward with pride and determination,” said Burre. “Together we’ll continue to elevate JagNation and with this progress, I know we’re headed straight for that A,” she said.

In high schools and districts, up to 1,000 points can be earned, with growth making up more than one third (380 of 1,000 points).   Jefferson Davis County High School remained a B this year with 697 points.

Jefferson Davis County School District as a whole had a total score of 621.

The district scored 41.1 in reading proficiency, 42.7 in math proficiency, 73 in History

proficiency and 57.7 in science proficiency. All scores significantly increased from the previous year. The district had a graduation rate of 88.3. 

This is why Burre says she ran for the school board, to celebrate moments like this. “We’re just out here being Jaguars—Jaguar Achieving Greatness Under Accountability and Resilience,” she said.