Holly Springs School District achieves historic academic gains

The Holly Springs School District Board of Trustees, district and school staff, and students were elated to see their hard work paid off when they received their accountability rating from the Mississippi Department of Education this year. For the first time, the district received a “B” rating, which is considered high-performing.

“The Holly Springs School District Board of Trustees is proud of the accomplishments of our students during the 2022-2023 school year,” said Lemon Phelps, board president. “Every year we, as a district, work hard to achieve our district goals and this year we see that hard work paying off. However, we are not satisfied and we will continue to strive for greater. Thanks to all the staff, past and present, for their hard work and their dedication to this achievement. Our parents are also to be commended for pushing and working with our students, as well.”

The district’s score is determined from a combined score from all schools in the district. Holly Springs High School moved up a level from a “C” rating last year to a high “B” rating. Holly Springs Intermediate and Holly Springs Primary moved up two levels from a D-rating to a B-rating this year. Although three of the four schools in the district received a B rating, Holly Springs Junior High still struggled in academic performance. Holly Springs Junior High received an “F” rating.

Now that the district and some schools have reached high-performing levels, they understand that they must work hard to keep those ratings. All schools are identifying strengths and areas of improvement and developing strategic plans that will help them maintain high-performing levels and put all schools on a path for continued gains and improvements. “We have always known that our students and staff were capable of receiving a highperforming rating. We are so proud of them and the work that they have done,” Turnage said. “We are also thankful for our parents and community supporters who have always believed in us.”