MS MDE News

Wilkinson County School District Placed Into District of Transformation

The Mississippi State Board of Education placed Wilkinson County School District into a District of Transformation, making it a state-led district under MDE and SBE supervision. The district received an F-rating for two consecutive years with 50% of its schools currently rated F, and has not completed a financial audit since June 2022. This action was taken under statutory authority established during the 2024 legislative session allowing SBE to intervene for serious academic deficiencies or financial impairments without requiring a governor-declared state of emergency.

Higher Standards for Mississippi School Grades Set for 2025-26

The Mississippi Department of Education announced that higher accountability standards for school and district letter grades take effect with the 2025-26 school year. The Mississippi State Board of Education approved the updated standards in November 2025. Grades for 2025-26 will be released in fall 2026 and will set a new baseline that cannot be compared to prior years.

Three Districts of Innovation Approved for 2026-27

The Mississippi State Board of Education approved three school districts (Newton County, Union Public, and Western Line) as Districts of Innovation and Hinds County Early College High School as a School of Innovation for the 2026-27 school year. The designations enable these entities to request exemptions from certain state regulations to improve student achievement through innovative scheduling, instruction, and career pathways.

State Board Selects 11 Semifinalists for 2026-27 Student Representative Program

The Mississippi State Board of Education has selected 11 semifinalists from a pool of 33 applicants for its 2026-27 junior student representative program. The student representatives serve as non-voting SBE members and attend monthly board meetings and committee assignments. Up to four finalists will be interviewed before one rising junior is appointed to the position.