The Starkville Oktibbeha School District has earned distinction as a District of Innovation. The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) approved the District's plan and announced the District's selection as one of Mississippi’s newest Districts of Innovation for 2022-23 on Friday.
The District's goals include expanding its college and career academy model, the Academic Houses at Starkville High School, to include all high school students and provide preparation classes in elementary grades.
"This prestigious designation highlights our school district's commitment to excellent learning experiences to better engage our students at every level as they pursue their passion, purpose and potential," said Supt. Eddie Peasant.
SOSD joins seven other designated Districts of Innovation in the state including Hinds County School District, Oxford School District, Pascagoula-Gautier School District, Rankin County School District, Tupelo Public School District, Corinth School District and Gulfport School District.
As a District of Innovation, SOSD may request exemptions from certain state regulations to improve student achievement. Through the innovative model, SOSD also has flexibility in areas such as seat time and teacher certification to allow for innovative scheduling and instruction.
According to the Mississippi Department of Education, Districts of Innovation and Schools of Innovation are intended to expand learning choices, implement rigorous standards, reduce achievement gaps, reduce student remediation post-graduation, increase student engagement and increase the number of students who are ready for college and/or career.