The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District has earned an A-rating from the Mississippi Department of Education based on state test scores from the 2023-2024 Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP). The A-rating marks the first time the district has been designated as "high performing" based, in part, on the number of students who scored proficient and advanced on the state's assessment of English/Language Arts, Math and Science for 3rd-8th grade students.
"I am extremely proud of our students and teachers for their determination in achieving this milestone for our district," said Dr. Tony McGee, SOCSD Superintendent. "This A-rating reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire staff as well as our families. But not only that, the rating belongs to our community and is a testament to the support you all provide the district as we partner to help our boys and girls achieve their very best future."
As one of the benchmarks that is often used to attract business and industry as well as new residents to a community, an "A" school rating can have far-reaching impact beyond the school walls – a sentiment echoed by community leaders.
"I want to congratulate our teachers, our administrators and staff, and mostly our students and parents for the A-rating within our community," said Mike Tagert, CEO of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, an organization whose mission is to enhance community, business and economic development in Starkville and Oktibbeha County. "Having quality public education goes hand in hand with public safety and healthcare in our community, and we're very proud of the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District for making this grade."
SOCSD has maintained a B-rating on the accountability model for the last two years, and McGee said that district leaders knew the "A" was within reach.
"Our district is committed to student growth and to helping each child achieve state standards for learning in addition to all the other arts and academic opportunities, extracurricular activities, and athletic participation we offer students," McGee said. "As we've worked to improve scores over the last three years, the district has built in more strategic lesson planning and opportunities for professional development to impact student growth. We're also seeing increased parent engagement and support for learning at home, and we are seeing these things move the needle for more students."
Edward Kemp, General Manager of Starkville Utilities, one of the district's strategic community partners, shared about the importance the A-rating has for helping the community build a vibrant workforce for the future.
"This A-rating is representative of the high quality educational experience that our district offers to our community," Kemp said. "It's also representative of our community's high expectation to be a leader and excel in everything that we do. The district is vital for our community, as it is preparing the next generation of leaders that will eventually lead our community. It's serving as a catalyst for economic development and is the hub for workforce development in our region."
Dr. David Shaw, MSU Provost and Executive Vice President, served on the district's Consolidation Commission beginning in 2013, a body established by the Mississippi Legislature to advise and oversee the consolidation process. He reflects on the strides this A-rating represents.
"Thinking all the way back to when we went through school consolidation a number of years ago, and having the opportunity to serve on the Commission that oversaw that, knowing where we were and where we are now is nothing short of exhilarating," Shaw shared. "And so, I thank every one of you that have been so intimately involved in making all of this possible today."
The Mississippi Statewide Accountability System is a single “A” through “F” school and district accountability model. Grades are based in part on student proficiency levels on the English Language Arts and Mathematics MAAP state tests for 3rd-8th grade and high school students. Other impacts to accountability grades include student growth, student participation in testing, and four-year graduation rates. In addition, the state's accountability model factors in performance on the ACT, Advanced Placement, and dual credit/enrollment courses, as well as how districts help English Language Learners and lower performing students toward greater proficiency.
Celebrating the A-rating will be a district and community-wide effort. A number of community leaders have voiced their congratulations as well as encouragement to staff to keep moving forward in this tradition of success. The district is planning a full-staff event to celebrate and honor nearly 850 staff members who impact student learning experiences each day.
"Now the real work begins," shared Dr. Tony McGee. "We're taking time to celebrate this outstanding milestone, and at the same time reaffirming our commitment to helping every child succeed. We see this as a beginning. We want A-rated excellence to be the standard."
