Vicksburg Junior High School"no longer a failing school"
Vicksburg Junior High administrator says school is no longer a failing school
Dr. Watkins told students and parents the junior high's accountability status has changed for the better.
The remarks came during closing "royal remarks" at Vicksburg Junior High School's Gator Bration 2026 coronation ceremony on Nov. 10. "This night marks a celebration and a culture change. We have a lot to celebrate. As number one, we are no longer a failing school. So that's big time," the speaker said, according to a recording of the event. The speaker, identified in district materials as Dr. Watkins, added, "We still have a lot of work to do with your support. And keep sending your child and student to school. We will make it to destination 355."
Earlier in the program, Superintendent Jim Sturgeon thanked "Dr. Watkins and his committee" for organizing the coronation event, though the transcript does not state Watkins' exact title at the school.
The claim that the school's rating changed from "failing" status involves state accountability data that would typically be issued by the Mississippi Department of Education. That underlying grade change had not been independently confirmed against state records at the time of the ceremony.