An education consulting group reviewing the Jackson Public School District is releasing its findings. MPB's Ashley Norwood reports on the group's concerns and how the state's second largest school district plans to resolve them.
Inside Education Group spent nine months visiting 21 schools, 100 classrooms and listening to a number of focus groups to find out what Jackson Public Schools need to improve its educational system. The study released yesterday outlines 5 areas of needed improvement beginning with staffing at the central office and its support of schools.
Errick Greene is Superintendent of JPS. He says establishing organizational structure is first on his list.
"Establishing a clear vision and direction for our district and then supporting that with a clear, strong, effective and efficient central office structure. Where are we going an how are we organizing ourselves in order to get there," said Greene.
The group also expressed concern about the district's curriculum and instruction, it's intervention for students with social-emotional and behavioral challenges as well as teacher development and financing.
Last year, the state board of education declared JPS in a state of emergency. Governor Phil Bryant decided not to takeover instead forming a commission to help move the dis rict forward.
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba, says the district will correct some areas as soon as this current school year.
"In my discussions with the governor, he has mentioned on several occasions, he is excited about what we are doing. And we are going to continue to build a better district and a better model on how we improve districts," said Lumumba.
Superintendent Greene says they will file a strategic plan based on the findings and recommendations by July 2019. Ashley Norwood, MPB News.
