Jacksonville High outlines test-score focus, expands concurrent credit and will host Special Olympics
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Summary
Jacksonville High School told the district board it is targeting steady gains in achievement scores, expanding concurrent‑credit pathways (criminal justice, cybersecurity and other college partnerships), and will host this year’s JNBSE Special Olympics; students and staff also highlighted leadership programs and service projects.
Jacksonville High School presented to the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Board during the February 2026 meeting, outlining efforts to raise assessment scores, boost campus culture and expand college credit and career pathways.
Principal Mims said school leaders are prioritizing improvements on the Atlas test and broader achievement data, noting that gains are incremental and “this level of improvement cannot be achieved in one single year, but we can show growth and improvement.” She told the board JHS has partnered with the Gear Up program to offer incentives tied to interim and spring summative exams and that students who meet growth targets may receive a trip to the Clinton Library.
Nakala Anderson Robinson, student council president, told the board, “This school year feels different. ... Our administration and teachers have made it clear that student input matters.” Robinson invited board members and the public to homecoming ceremonies and student events later in the week.
Principal Mims described additional student programs and outcomes: Titan TV (a student media effort), Beta Club participation at the state convention, and community service projects such as a Pack a Shack event where freshmen packed 20,000 meals. She also outlined concurrent‑credit and career pathway expansions, saying JHS will offer concurrent credit next year in criminal justice and cybersecurity and is working with colleges on nursing, banking and automotive opportunities. Current enrollments reported were 18 students in welding at ASUBB, 20 in culinary at Velasquez Technical College and about 50 in drafting/CAD pathways.
A student participant, Jennifer Green, described practical benefits of the drafting/CAD pathway and said some programs allow students to earn college credit while still in high school.
Principal Mims closed the presentation by announcing that Jacksonville High will host this year’s JNBSE Special Olympics on April 22 and asked the community to volunteer for the all‑day event.
Board members did not take separate action on the presentation itself; related items discussed later in the meeting included a multi‑year mental health grant and personnel and curriculum items.
The board’s next business items followed the presentation, including public comment and several votes on policy and personnel.