The Picayune School District has reported an increase in school grades, marking significant progress in academic achievement. Superintendent Dean Shaw and Curriculum Director Debbie Smith credited new instructional programs and strong leadership for the district’s improvement.

“We’re proud of the efforts across the board,” Shaw said. “This success started with our school board providing the district with the resources needed to support our students.”

The district introduced a new reading program for grades K-8 and a math program this school year. Both initiatives have contributed to the improvements seen across all schools. According to Smith, the schools within the district are working collaboratively to share best practices.

The school board’s commitment to equipping the district with necessary resources was highlighted as a critical factor in the rise of academic achievement. Teachers now have consistent access to high-quality materials, making it easier to engage students effectively.

“Schools are leaning on each other and comparing what does and doesn’t work for them,” Smith said. “We hold monthly trainings with principals and assistant principals to ensure everyone is on the same page.”

“Teachers are excited to be able to use the new resources,” Smith added. “It’s a huge improvement from previous years.”

The district’s success has been attributed to contributions from all staff members, from building administrators to teacher assistants, who motivated students to take their testing seriously. Leadership, support staff, and faculty were all acknowledged for their roles in improving student outcomes.

“We’ve seen tremendous motivation among principals, teachers, and students,” Shaw said. “Everyone played a huge part, from the parents to the students, and we’re proud of their focus and effort.”