Oxford School District Honors Exceptional Educators

News Summary

The Oxford School District has announced its 2024 Teacher of the Year honorees, recognizing seven outstanding teachers for their dedication. Each school selects its own winner, with one set to compete for the District Teacher of the Year title. Additionally, Chase Goolsby, principal of Oxford Intermediate School, was named District Administrator of the Year. The Mississippi Lt. Governor recognized schools, including Oxford Middle School, for maintaining low chronic absenteeism rates, highlighting their commitment to student attendance and engagement.

Oxford School District Celebrates Outstanding Educators!

Oxford, a vibrant community known for its commitment to quality education, recently made headlines as the Oxford School District proudly announced its 2024 Teacher of the Year honorees. A total of seven remarkable teachers from various schools were selected to receive this prestigious recognition, showcasing their dedication and hard work.

What’s exciting is that each school in the district gets to select its own Teacher of the Year, allowing for a real celebration of individual excellence. From this group of seven talented educators, one will rise to compete for the coveted title of District Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in the upcoming months. This recognition not only honors the teachers but also highlights the importance of their contributions to their students and the school community.

Celebrating Leadership in Education

In addition to the teachers, the spotlight also shone on leadership within the district. Chase Goolsby, the principal at Oxford Intermediate School, was named the District Administrator of the Year. His exceptional leadership skills and unwavering commitment to student success have earned him this honorable title. Goolsby will take his talent to the next level as he competes for the Mississippi Administrator of the Year award against other educational leaders from around the state. This prestigious title allows the recipient to serve as an ambassador for the teaching and leading profession, bringing attention to the vital role administrators play in shaping educational experiences.

Mississippi School Attendance Recognitions

Oxford Middle School and Davidson Elementary School in Water Valley, showcasing their commitment to keeping students in the classroom and engaged in learning.

The Water Valley School District stands out as one of the 12 districts recognized for exemplary performance in attendance. Each of these schools received the prestigious Lt. Governor’s Attendance Award and a formal letter of recognition. Chronic absenteeism is a serious issue, defined as missing more than 18 days (10 percent) of the school year for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences as well as suspensions. With the chronic absenteeism rate for Mississippi reported at a concerning 24.4 percent this year—well above the pre-pandemic level of 13 percent—it is more crucial than ever to prioritize attendance in schools.

Looking Ahead

As the Lt. Governor emphasizes the importance of improving school attendance rates, the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session will focus on strategies to ensure children are consistently in classrooms, ready to learn. Recognizing schools that maintain satisfactory attendance is just one of the steps being taken to motivate others to enhance their own attendance goals.

A Bright Future for Education in Oxford

With a vibrant faculty and committed administration, the Oxford School District is well-positioned to continue inspiring students and communities alike. The recognition of these outstanding teachers and administrators highlights the importance of their contributions while providing a shining example of what can be achieved when dedication and excellence are prioritized in education. As we eagerly await the announcement of the District Teacher of the Year, there is no doubt that the future of education in Oxford is looking bright!