Recently in September 2024 the Mississippi Department of Education’s Office of District and School Performance released the state, district, and school level accountability measures for the 2023-24 school year. This accountability measure essentially lets the general public know the rating of performance for schools and districts statewide and allows stakeholders to make decisions regarding areas in need of improvement. The Mississippi Statewide Accountability System assigns a letter grade performance indicator for schools and districts based on student achievement, individual growth, graduation rate, and participation rate. In this report, many Carroll County School District members, students, and parents were elated to see that the district surpassed previous years performance, securing an accountability grade of B for the 2023-24 school year. This is a major achievement for the school district as this is the first time it has accomplished a B rating.
When asked about the accomplishment of CCSD and what measures were put in place to bring this achievement to fruition, Superintendent Joey Carpenter had much to say on the subject.
“A number of factors contributed to the increased rating. The Carroll County School District used enhanced teaching methods, updated curricula, and effective student support services that led to better student performance on tests and assessments. We invested in ongoing training for teachers and administrators that improved instructional quality and leadership, which in turn benefited student outcomes.” He explained, continuing to say, “In addition, CCSD leaders revamped the curriculum to better align with state standards and incorporated more engaging, relevant content that boosted academic performance. Our focus on attendance encouraged regular attendance and positively impacted student achievement. Our teachers are using data to identify areas for improvement and track progress that will address specific challenges.”
Upon being asked about the specific methods used to enhance teaching and tutoring efforts, Superintendent Carpenter was quick to provide answers.
“Yes, we regularly utilize benchmark testing to enhance both teaching and tutoring within our district. These assessments provide valuable data that helps us identify areas where students may need additional support and tailor our instructional strategies accordingly,” he explained.
He also stated that CCSD participates in a federally funded after-school tutoring program, saying it “complements our efforts by offering targeted assistance to students outside regular school hours.”
“This combination of data-driven insights and extended learning opportunities has been instrumental in driving academic improvement across our schools,” Superintendent Carpenter explained.
He went on to state that this district-wide growth could be seen on the individual level as well.
“All [of] our students are experiencing growth, including those who were previously struggling,” he enthused. “We are seeing improvements across the board, with targeted support and interventions helping to uplift every student.”
“Our efforts to address individual needs and provide tailored assistance have contributed to positive outcomes for all, ensuring that each student is making progress and achieving their full potential,” he added.
Superintendent Carpenter mirrored the excitement and appreciation expressed by many in the district in regard to this achievement when stating, “We are extremely proud of the remarkable growth at the high school. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our administration, teachers, and students. The collective effort and commitment of everyone involved have been instrumental in driving this positive change, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the progress we’ve made together. The slight improvement in points at both schools was enough to push the District overall grade from a C last year to a B this year.”
Upon being asked about important mentions, Carpenter added, “The Superintendent and the Board are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our administrative team, teachers, and especially our students! Their collective effort and commitment have been crucial in achieving our recent successes, and we are deeply appreciative of their contributions. We are also extremely thankful for our parents and community for their support of our District.”
Now in regards to what so many hardworking students, teachers, and staff members are looking forward to, Superintendent Carpenter explained how the district intends to reward those involved for their hard work and dedication which brought about this accomplishment. At a recent Board of Education meeting, CFO Prestridge informed the Board that the district intends to buy all teachers, staff, and students a shirt for their accomplishment. In addition, it was mentioned that the district was looking into buying snow cones for the students as a reward.
The last question left, the one that lingers at every finish line, what is next for the school district? What is their new goal?
Carpenter answered optimistically, “Our goal now is to keep working hard and continue striving for success. We remain committed to building on our progress and pursuing excellence in all areas. By maintaining our focus and dedication, we aim to achieve even greater results and ensure ongoing success for our students and staff.”
