Senate Concurrent Resolution 524

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL FOR ITS "A" ACCOUNTABILITY RATING AND RECOGNIZING THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT (OSD) FOR ITS FIRST-PLACE STATE RANKING IN THE 2015-2016 ACCOUNTABILITY RESULTS WHICH IS THE FIRST YEAR OF NEW STATE TESTS.

WHEREAS, the Oxford School District (OSD) has literally taken the district vision statement "First in Class — The Oxford Way" to a new level. On October 20, 2016, state education officials released statewide accountability ratings with the Oxford School District, earning the top spot in the 2015-2016 Accountability Results. Mississippi's school grading system is designed to inform parents and communities how well their schools and districts are educating students. In the 2015-2016 Accountability Results, the district earned an "A" accountability letter grade with a total score of 745 points. Schools receive points for performance and growth on statewide assessments and for their graduation rate; and

WHEREAS, Oxford High School (OHS) is also one of the top high schools in the State of Mississippi, according to the 2015-2016 accountability scores recently released by the Mississippi Department of Education. Oxford High School created an important foundation giving students personal ownership in their learning, which in turn helped boost the Oxford School District to the No. 1 public school district spot in the state. Oxford High School is creating a culture of care, or rather a school environment which students know they are valued. The caring environment is also one in which they are learning and succeeding academically; and

WHEREAS, "Our students, teachers, staff and administrators earned this first-place ranking," said Oxford School District Superintendent Brian Harvey. "They have worked tirelessly with a steadfast determination to be the best public school district in the state." Harvey added that to achieve the highest school district accreditation ranking in the state during the first year of new state test results speaks volumes about the caliber of Oxford students, teachers, faculty and staff. "We are very proud of our students, teachers, administrators and all district staff who support our efforts." A 13% gain in mathematics proficiency and an over 6% gain in English Language Arts proficiency highlight the district's improvement in student achievement. The Oxford School District's ACT, Advanced Placement and dual enrollment scores also played a large role in the district's success; and

WHEREAS, Oxford High School Principal Bradley Roberson credits Oxford High School math teachers, who have focused on adding relevance to the math curriculum, as well as prioritized standards to allow students the time needed to master the content. The "A" ranking validates the vision and mission for teaching students at Oxford High School which has laid the needed foundation to give students the opportunity to succeed. Parents can give their high schooler an opportunity to succeed just by simply being informed about their child's educational experience. Parents are encouraged to be involved as much as possible in their child's education. Mississippi students are taking more challenging tests than in years past. Students are being held at a much higher standard, so they can be successful in college or the workforce. The breakdown of each Oxford School District schools' 2015-2016 accountability ratings are: Oxford Elementary School, A; Della Davidson Elementary School, A; Oxford Intermediate School, B; Oxford Middle School, A; and Oxford High School, A; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the achievements of the schools in this "First-in-Class" School District which have brought honor to its community and to 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 commend and congratulate Oxford High School for its "A" accountability rating and recognizing the Oxford School District (OSD) for its First-Place State Ranking in the 2015-2016 accountability results which is the first year of new state tests and extend our best wishes to the Superintendent of Oxford Schools and the Oxford School Board on this auspicious occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Oxford School District Superintendent Brian Harvey and Oxford High School Principal Bradley Roberson, forwarded to the Oxford School Board and the State Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.