Keri Armstrong

The Simpson County School District's Dropout Prevention Plan for 2025-2026 aims to reduce dropout rates and increase graduation rates. It focuses on several key goals, including reducing retention rates in early grades, targeting subgroups needing additional support, developing dropout recovery initiatives, addressing transitions from juvenile detention centers, and increasing graduation rates for special education students. The plan utilizes data-driven strategies, MTSS, and EWS to provide individualized support and interventions, credit recovery programs, and community partnerships to ensure all students excel and achieve academic proficiency.

The strategic plan focuses on ensuring student academic proficiency, fostering a positive school climate, strengthening community and staff partnerships, enhancing safety, and maintaining fiscal responsibility. It outlines the district's mission to enable all students to excel in safe, inclusive environments through strong collaboration. Key goals include increasing student achievement, ensuring secure learning environments, fostering a positive school climate, and ensuring fiscal responsibility to support district priorities.

The Simpson County School District (SCSD) Board of Education meeting recognized the Mendenhall High School Tiger Pride Marching Band for their successful competition season. The inaugural Innovative Teacher Award recipients were announced. The board received a Board of Merit from the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA). Superintendent Toriano Holloway's election as vice president for the Mississippi Association of School Administrators was noted. Congratulations were extended to board members Lillie Hardy and Rev. Ralph Walker. An update was given on the expansion of University of Mississippi Medical Center's telehealth services to include mental health options. A presentation on Magee Middle School's calming rooms was also given.

The Simpson County School District (SCSD) Board of Education meeting recognized students and staff for their achievements, including students selected for the Mississippi Public Broadcasting Student Council and a health informatics instructor who earned a Master Teacher of Economics certificate. The meeting also discussed the implementation of telehealth services for students, the rescreening of students for hearing issues, the offering of depression screenings, the hosting of Project Grandparents, and the implementation of an Induction and Mentorship Program for first-year special education teachers. Additionally, the meeting noted that staff attended an Autism 101 Workshop.

The Simpson County School District (SCSD) Board of Education meeting addressed several key items. Awards were presented to the Mendenhall High School Football team, and several teachers received Innovative Teacher Awards. The board also received an attendance award from the Mississippi School Boards Association. A Certificate of Recognition was presented to Board Member Patrice Boykin. The meeting included updates on the completion date for a new school building and upcoming school safety discussions. A decision was made to suspend public comment until further review of relevant policies.