Mississippi’s Delta GEAR UP partnership is managed by the Foundation for the Mid South, alongside partners Casey Family Programs, Delta State University and the Woodward Hines Education Foundation.
October 14 — The Holmes County Consolidated School District (HCCSD) and the Mississippi Delta GEAR UP Partnership celebrate the school district’s rising performance on the state’s Mississippi Department of Education’s 2023-24 school year A-F performance report card.
The Mississippi Department of Education reported that the HCCSD’s ranking had improved to a “B” grade after maintaining a “C” for two consecutive years. Gains in the student scores swept every grade level and subject area, highlighted by standout gains in high school Algebra, which saw a 55 percent increase in proficiency, and 51 percent proficiency gains in fifth grade science.
District school leaders credit an emphasis on teaching, learning and building a culture around teacher empowerment. Superintendent Jennifer Wilson set expectations for formal, frequent, and productive teacher collaboration, training and feedback. Job-embedded coaching and professional development for educators were major contributors to the school’s turnaround performance. The district was rated F when it was taken over in 2021.
The Mississippi Delta GEAR UP Partnership has been a collaborative partner in resourcing and assisting with the professional development and capacity building for educators in HCCSD. HCCSD is one of 10 Mississippi school districts in the Delta region served by GEAR UP partnership which is managed by the Foundation for the Mid South, alongside partners Casey Family Programs, Delta State University and the Woodward Hines Education Foundation.
The $15 million dollar initiative is designed to resource and support rural school communities emphasizing college and career readiness, building a college-bound school culture, and leveraging data insights to inform teaching.
School districts residing in the most rural parts of the nation are some of the most affected by rural education disparities. Rural school communities are cut-off from traditional resources and face challenges that are deeply rooted in economics, geography, and infrastructure.
More than 45 days of professional development was offered or facilitated through the Delta GEAR UP Partnership.
“This achievement belongs to our teachers, students, parents, and the entire Holmes County community,” added FMS CEO Greg Johnson “We are supportive of efforts that focus on teacher development and empowering teachers with resources they need to help every student reach their full potential. With the Mississippi Delta GEAR UP, we’re not just investing in teacher development; we’re a platform that invites the entire community to the table to create breakthroughs for student learning.”
HCCSD Superintendent Jennifer Wilson expressed gratitude for GEAR UP’s contribution, stating, “Our district’s partnership with GEAR UP played an essential role in this turnaround. By focusing on academic achievement and readiness, we were able to significantly enhance the support we offer to our students, particularly in building pathways to higher education.”
ABOUT HOLMES COUNTY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT
HCCSD is committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The HCCSD moved from an “F” rated district to a “B” rated district in three (3) years because of strong leadership, building teacher capacity, and placing a laser-like focus on teaching and learning. The district serves the Holmes County community and continues to prioritize academic growth and student success.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR THE MID SOUTH
Established in 1990, the Foundation for the Mid South is a regional foundation that leverages a range of resources to improve life and build economies for people in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. GEAR UP collaborates with school districts to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn and get ready for college.
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