This week, the Mississippi Department of Education made its way to the coast to honor the Long Beach School District as it continued its statewide tour recognizing the highest ranking school districts across Mississippi.
On Tuesday, state education leaders visited Long Beach school leaders at Harper Mccaughan Elementary School for their Celebration of Excellence Tour. Of the 144 public schools across the state, Long Beach School District was one of the 15 school districts in Mississippi to earn an A rating.
A tradition of academic excellence is not new for the Long Beach School District, local educators said.
“For 25 years, this school district has been great,” said Long Beach School District Superintendent Dr. Jay Smith.
And state leaders agreed, pointing out this year had the highest graduation rates and ACT scores ever in Mississippi.
“If expectations are high,” said Mississippi State Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright, “kids will achieve high.”
Following the school choir’s rendition of holiday tunes and a brief speech from Dr. Wright, Dr. Smith highlighted several administrative officials.
He spoke of some statistical numbers and said this year marked the highest graduation of students with disabilities. Again, he reflected, that “tradition is from what we have done in the past.”
Mississippi House District 120 Representative Richard Bennett introduced Dr. Wright to the audience filled with teachers, administrators, and city officials.
A banner was presented to school leaders in honor of their successful year.
