MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Kirby, Harkins, Lee, Butler (38th), Carmichael, Fillingane, Frazier, Hopson, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jones, Montgomery, Norwood, Simmons (12th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS ACHIEVED BY DR. CHARLES LYNN WEATHERSBY UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION FOR RANKIN COUNTY SCHOOLS.
WHEREAS, Dr. Charles Lynn Weathersby has announced his retirement as Superintendent of Education for Rankin County Schools effective with the end of his current term of office, leaving a legacy of educational leadership and dedication to the public schools of Rankin County; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Weathersby was elected Superintendent of Education in 2000 and is currently serving his fourth term of office as the longest-serving Rankin County Superintendent of Education. Prior to his service as Superintendent, he was elected as Supervisor of Rankin County from 1988-2000, including service as President of the Board of Supervisors during a period of unprecedented growth in population, business and public facilities in Rankin County; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Weathersby is Superintendent of the Rankin County School District, Mississippi's third largest district, with 28 schools, approximately 19,500 students, 3,000 employees, and is the largest employer in Rankin County. His visionary leadership has provided students with an educational system that has high standards and provides a multitude of supplemental programs and services that enrich students' social, emotional and academic growth. With district growth at over 6,000 students, many changes have taken place within the district:
· Over $150 Million in construction that include five new schools and a Central Office/Professional Development Complex have taken place;
· Technology purchases that include increase of bandwidth from 1:100 times its prior capabilities, professional development and resources dedicated to blended learning for teachers and students have been made;
· Financial assistance and mentoring to support teachers in completing National Board Certification has resulted in the largest population of NBCT within the state;
· In an effort to financially enhance and supplement teacher and student opportunities, Dr. Weathersby worked with other community leaders to develop the Foundation for Rankin County Schools;
· As a result of his vision and commitment to local school support, the foundation is well-established and can boast funding from these processes and annual events: RCSD personalized car tags, RCSD Foundation Golf Tournament, and the RCSD Foundation Hot Chocolate Classic 5K Run and district sales of elementary school supplies;
· The Gateway to College Program, which was the state's first "Early College" high school program. In a partnership with Hinds Community College, this program allows potential high school dropouts to complete high school while also working toward community college completion;
· The American School Counseling Association Model. This model has allowed schools to reprioritize responsibilities placing students' social and emotional well-being as a priority for its counselors;
· The Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement programs within each of the eight high schools has been an overwhelming success and has proven to be an amazing resource for students and parents. This year alone, over 1,000 students will benefit from these college course opportunities on their school campuses, while also completing their high school requirements;
· Rankin County is in its fourth year as a pilot district for Career Academies for the Mississippi Department of Education. The RCSD has increased and enhanced the academies offered and they currently include: Health, Business, Agricultural Science and Engineering;
· Rankin County is also in its second year as a Performance-Based Pay pilot program for the Governor. This program alone has enhanced teacher salaries by over $800,000.00 annually, while also putting accountability pieces in place for teachers' practices, attendance and community relations;
· Blended learning that allows 1:1 technology for all 7th-12th graders throughout the district. The 1:1 program will free students and teachers from the limitations of outdated educational practices, equip students with the tools to succeed, raises expectations from students and teachers and will prepare every student for college and a career;
· Rankin County's Accountability rating of an "A" District. Rankin County has the 4th lowest administrative costs of the 146 school districts in Mississippi. During his tenure as District Superintendent, the district's dropout rate has decreased to 8.7% as compared to the state average of 13.9%, graduation rate has increased to 86% and the 2013-2014 graduating class received scholarship awards in the amount of $27 Million;
· A balanced budget has been presented by Dr. Weathersby for 16 years without increase in taxes and approved by the school board;
· Rankin County School District has a double A Standard and Poor's financial rating;
· For the past 12 years, Rankin County School District has been recognized by the State Auditor for excellence in financial management; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Weathersby's honors and leadership positions include:
· Mississippi Association of School Administrators (MASA) Golden Lamp Award, 2013;
· 2009 Hinds Community College Alumnus of the Year;
· Mississippi Association of School Superintendents (MASS) Superintendent of the Year;
· Mississippi Arts Superintendent of the Year;
· American Heart Association Superintendent of the Year;
· President and Board Member, Mississippi Association of School Superintendents;
· State Task Force for Low-Performing Schools;
· Board of Directors, Mississippi Association of School Administrators;
· Advisory Council, Mississippi School Board Association;
· Board of Directors, Mississippi Alliance of Arts Education;
· Board of Directors, River Oaks Hospital;
· President and Board Member, Central Mississippi Planning and Development District;
· Advisory Board for four State Superintendents;
· Education Transition Team for Governor Barbour and Governor Bryant;
· Bell South Superintendent Network;
· Advisory Council, Momentum Mississippi;
· Board of Directors, National Association of Regional Council;
· 2002 Mississippi State University, Lamar, Moody Award;
· 2002 Mississippi State University Circle of Excellence;
· 2004 Mississippi Counseling Association Non-Member Special Recognition;
· Current President and 16-year member, Hinds Community College Board of Trustees;
· Awarded Honorary State Future Farmers of America Membership; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we commend this record of achievement in the public schools by a professional school Administrator who is an example for his colleagues and whose service honors both the Rankin County schools and the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the legacy of educational opportunities for students achieved by Dr. Charles Lynn Weathersby upon the occasion of his retirement as Superintendent of Education for Rankin County Schools, and extend our best wishes to Dr. Weathersby and his family on this auspicious occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Weathersby and his family, forwarded to the Rankin County Board of Education and the State Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.