The Water Valley School District earned a B accountability rating, recognized as “High Performing,” for the third consecutive year. The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) released the accountability grades for the 2023-24 school year late Tuesday afternoon.
Water Valley School District Superintendent Drew Pitcock reported that Water Valley High School and Water Valley Junior High both received B ratings, highlighting their strong performance across a range of academic indicators. Davidson Elementary received a C rating, demonstrating progress and identifying key areas for continued focus as the district works to elevate student achievement across all levels.
“This marks the third consecutive year that both the district and Water Valley High School have earned this rating, showcasing the consistency and dedication to academic excellence throughout the district,” Pitcock added. “I am incredibly proud of the effort put forth by our teachers, administrators, staff, and, most importantly, our students. Achieving this ‘High Performing’ rating for three consecutive years is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our entire school community. We are making strides in the right direction, and I have no doubt that our future is even brighter as we work toward even higher ratings and greater success across all schools.”
The High Performing ratings for the 2021-2022, 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years are the highest the district has received since the state changed to the A-F accountability model in 2014. That first year the district had a D-rating, the assessment from the 2013-14 school year. The district rating improved to a C the following year and remained a C until the 2018-2019 year when it fell to a D.
The superintendent reported the district remains committed to its mission of providing a high-quality education to all students, with a continued focus on improving instructional practices, enhancing student engagement, and fostering a culture of excellence.
“We are excited about the progress we’ve made, and we look forward to continued success as we work together to achieve even greater outcomes. Our sights are set on improving every school’s performance and reaching an ‘A’ rating in the future,” Pitcock added.
Published in the North MS Herald, September 20, 2024
Editor: David Howell