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Superintendent: state accountability changes raise cut scores; district to host community forum Jan. 22
Summary
Superintendent Zandra McDonald told the board that Mississippi revised its 2025-26 accountability model to emphasize workforce-readiness measures, raised cut scores (an "A" now requires 694) and that the district has tested 142 students on WorkKeys; the district plans community forums beginning Jan. 22, 2026.
At the Dec. 16 board meeting Superintendent Zandra McDonald briefed trustees on a new Mississippi Department of Education accountability model that takes effect in 2025-26 and places greater emphasis on readiness and workforce measures.
McDonald said the model adds a Readiness Index that weighs student participation and results on ACT WorkKeys, ASVAB, dual enrollment and Career and Technical Education courses. She reported that since June the district has administered WorkKeys to 142 students and is developing ASVAB testing pathways and expanded dual-enrollment opportunities. McDonald said the state raised accountability cut scores (for example, an "A" previously required a score of 668; the new cutoff is 694) and that district staff will present data updates after the first semester.
To inform stakeholders and align district strategy with the new model, McDonald said the district will convene a series of community forums and plans to revise its strategic plan and a "Portrait of a Graduate." The first community forum is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 22, 2026; invitations will be extended to elected officials, business and civic leaders, students and parents. McDonald framed the work as necessary to "raise the bar" and to ensure transparency as the district adapts to the updated accountability expectations.
Other operational notes included notifications that the Natchez Middle School girls and boys basketball teams concluded their seasons as district champion and runner-up, respectively; an NEC application release on Jan. 7, 2026 with ACT required for admission; and an aging district water-piping issue at West school that has produced a major leak and will require repairs and partial repaving of a parking lot. McDonald also praised recent student performing-arts events and increased participation in strings and band under new instruction.
Next steps: District leaders will present semester data updates on the new accountability measures, schedule the Jan. 22 community forum and pursue operational repairs related to the water leak. No board action was required on the accountability briefing at this meeting.
