DeSoto School Board approves 2025 summer education programs for K-12 students

The DeSoto County School Board meeting on April 4, 2025, focused on the approval of proposed summer education programs and revisions to board policy regarding instructional minutes.

The board discussed the introduction of general education summer programs aimed at students from grades 3 to 12. For elementary students in grades 3 to 5, summer school will be held at DeSoto Central Elementary School, targeting those retained in one content area, specifically math and English Language Arts (ELA) for third graders, and science and social studies for fourth and fifth graders. Students with an average below 50 are not eligible for summer school, which costs $50 per course. Attendance may lead to promotion, although it is not guaranteed.

Middle and high school students will have summer school opportunities at DeSoto Central Middle School and DeSoto Central High School, respectively, focusing on course credit recovery. Middle school students can recover up to two credits, while high school students can recover any credits not earned during the regular school year, also at a cost of $50 per course.

Additionally, a third-grade reading camp will be available for students who have not met the literacy-based promotion act requirements. This camp will provide intensive reading intervention, with no cost for qualifying students, and transportation will be provided. The first round of literacy assessment scores is expected from the Mississippi Department of Education in April, with the first testing opportunity scheduled for the week of May 5.

The board unanimously approved the proposed summer programs following a motion and a second.

In another significant discussion, the board considered a revision to policy IEDA, which pertains to instructional minutes. This revision aims to include required computer science instructional minutes for grades K-6, as mandated by Mississippi Public School accountability standards.

The meeting concluded with a recommendation for the board to approve the proposed changes, highlighting the district's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for its students.