STARKVILLE — The process is under way to find new principals for the middle and high schools in Starkville as both top positions are open for the coming school year. Superintendent Judy Couey said there have been “quite a lot of applicants” for the positions. She said many apply for both, and applicants bring a wide range of experience.
In a letter addressed to school district stakeholders, Couey said the school district will interview candidates for both positions next week.
“A panel of administrators including the superintendent, assistant superintendents, principals and directors will conduct the interviews,” she said in the letter.
The field will be narrowed to no more than three candidates per position, and a stakeholder interview session with the candidates will be held April 27 at 6 p.m. in the Greensboro Center.
“We hope to be through by the end of the month,” she said Tuesday night.
The school board this week also discussed the new changes to school accountability ratings. When this year”s test scores are released, districts will be rated on the new system that is more strict and gets progressively harder.
“The goal is to be at national levels in four years,” Couey said.
She said her calculations using last year”s data in the new formula”s show only Overstreet and Starkville High as successful schools. She said the new dropout calculations, based on previous years” information on not on current data with new programs in place, show Starkville to have the fifth highest dropout rate in the state.
The board approved some change orders for bond issue work and tabled the resolution authorizing the issuance of $9.93 million in general obligation bonds.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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