MPA/MPS Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 18, 2009

For more information, Contact: Linda Buford-Burks, Director of Communications,

(601) 924-2001; lburks@msbaonline.org

CLINTON, MS — Twelve Mississippi school districts were recognized in three categories for high student achievement on Tuesday, November 17 in the MSBA Lighthouse School Leader Awards Program. The program, sponsored by the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA), applauds student performance based on standards set in the state’s new accountability system. District leaders were recognized at the MSBA Lighthouse School Leaders Awards Luncheon in Jackson on November 17 during MSBA’s Fall Leadership Conference.  Approximately 350 school board members and superintendents from across the state attended the Lighthouse School Leaders Awards Luncheon, where the districts were spotlighted for their students’ achievement on tests administered last spring.  Recognition also factored in how well districts met growth expectations set by the state.

The MSBA Lighthouse School Leader Awards Program was established by the Mississippi School Boards Association at the beginning of the 2003-04 School Year, in recognition of the unsung efforts of school districts to meet more rigorous state and federal accountability standards.

“Once again, school districts have shown that they are up to the challenge of continually improving student performance –– exploring innovative and creative ways to enhance and reinforce student learning,” said MSBA executive director Michael Waldrop. “MSBA acknowledges that boards and superintendents are working harder than ever before to make their efforts pay big dividends for students.” 

The following criteria were used in determining the 2009 awards categories:

BEACON

• The district had an overall student achievement index of 200 or above

• The district met growth expectations set by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)

Honorees: Pass Christian School District, Booneville School District

LANTERN

• The district had an overall student achievement index between180 and 200

• The district met growth expectations set by MDE

Honorees:  Clinton School District, Corinth School District, Enterprise School District, Lamar County School District, Long Beach School District, Madison County School District, New Albany School District, Ocean Springs School District, Pontotoc City School District

TORCH

• High poverty district where 90 percent or more students qualify for free/reduced lunch

• The district had at least one school with an overall student achievement index of 180 that also met growth expectations set by MDE

Honoree:  South Delta School District - South Delta Elementary School.

Listing of Board Members and Superintendents of Districts recognized at the MSBA Lighthouse School Leader Awards Luncheon on November 17, 2009:

Beacon Award Recipients:

Booneville School District
Board President: Marshall Dickerson

Members:

Susan P. Cartwright            

Dwight Hastings

Tracie Langston

Jesse Shields

Superintendent: Rickey Neaves

Pass Christian School District

Board President: Randy Dewitt Sr.

Members:

Walter J. King

Rebecca Montgomery

Portia Stewart

Philip Terrell

Superintendent:  Dr. Sue Matheson