By Stephanie Swogetinsky
reporter@clarkecountytrib.com
The Quitman School District received an overall C rating under Mississippi’s updated school accountability system, with Quitman High School, Quitman Upper Elementary School and Quitman Lower Elementary School earning B ratings. Quitman Junior High School received an F.
The Mississippi Department of Education has raised the point requirements and cut scores for school and district letter grades starting with the 2025–26 school year. These changes establish a new tougher baseline, and that means that the new letter grades raise the bar for school districts. This year’s accountability ratings can’t be compared to past years’ ratings, because they are based on a different standard. While we recognize there is room for growth, we are focused on strengthening instruction and providing every child with a quality education.
Quitman Lower Elementary Principal Amanda Allen credited students, teachers, families and community members for their support and dedication.
“We are incredibly proud of our students and the progress they continue to make each day,” Allen said. “Their growth and success are a reflection of the time, effort, and support invested in their learning. We also recognize our teachers and staff for their commitment to providing meaningful learning experiences and helping every child reach their full potential.”
“While we celebrate this accomplishment, we also recognize that there is always room to grow,” Allen said. “We remain focused on strengthening instruction, supporting student achievement, and ensuring that every student receives the high-quality education they deserve. We believe our students can achieve at the highest level!”
“Thank you to our families and community members for your continued support and partnership,” Allen said. “Together, we will continue building on this success and working toward even greater achievements for Quitman Lower Elementary School. We will strive for "QLE Excellence" in all we do. We are proud of our B rating, proud of our students, and excited about the progress still to come!”
Quitman Upper Elementary Principal Kristen Schrimpshire plans to build on their B rating and continue improving student achievement.
“We are SUPER excited to celebrate another B rating at Quitman Upper Elementary! We could not be more proud of our teachers and students and the hard work they put in every single day,” Schrimpshire said.
“At QUE, our students know that you play the way you practice—and they have practiced hard,” Schrimpshire said. “Even as the state continues to raise the bar and expectations continue to increase, our students showed out, exceeded expectations, and improved their performance from last year.”
“These results reflect the dedication of our teachers, the determination of our students, and the support of our families and community,” Schrimpshire said. “Our Panthers understand what it means to WIN THE DAY! At QUE our students and staff do three important things every day: Pursue Mastery, Know the Data, and Help Others WIN! These intentional decisions make our school stand out and rise to any challenge.”
“We are proud of how far we have come, but we aren't finished yet,” Schrimpshire said. “We are still working toward the A rating our teachers and students deserve. We will celebrate this accomplishment, learn from our data, and get right back to work! QUE Panthers know how to WIN THE DAY!”
At Quitman Junior High, Principal Debbie Chapman said the school’s accountability score increased from the previous year, with growth in some English language arts, math and science areas.
“MAAP 2026 test results officially have been released. And although QJH has increased its overall accountability score from 2025 and has shown academic growth in some areas of ELA, math and science assessments, our accountability grade remains as last year,” Chapman said.
“Now, as a school, we move forward, strengthen our leadership team and teachers and empower our students not just to do their best, but to pursue excellence each and every day,” Chapman said.
“As a community, we must hold each other accountable to get the results that we know are within our reach,” Chapman said. “We must maximize each moment of every instructional day as we, all stakeholders, work together to instill habits that will inspire excellence, cultivate a love for learning, and promote lifelong success.”
Quitman High School reported gains in Algebra I proficiency, college and career readiness, and graduation rates. Principal Latasha Shaw said the school remains focused on improvement.
“Quitman High School is celebrating meaningful academic growth, expanded college and career readiness opportunities, and a stronger overall accountability performance as Mississippi implements its updated accountability model,” Shaw said.
“For QHS, the 2025 - 2026 results tell a story that goes beyond a letter grade,” Shaw said. “They reflect student growth, increased opportunities, stronger preparation for life after high school, and the dedication of students and staff who continue to raise the bar.”
“We are proud of the progress our Panthers have made, but we also recognize that there is more work ahead,” Shaw said. “Our goal is not simply to maintain a B. We want to continue to improve, lean into our opportunities, and position QHS to earn an A.”
“QHS also increased its graduation rate from 95.6% to 96.5%, continuing the school's strong graduation performance,” Shaw said.
“While QHS is proud of its accomplishments, school leadership understands that accountability is about both celebrating progress and identifying the next opportunity for growth,” Shaw said.
“We know there is still work to do. We know there are additional points we need to pursue,” Shaw said. “But we also recognize that progress deserves to be celebrated.” Here at QHS, we not only celebrate growth, we build on it, and then we go get more of it. That is exactly what QHS plans to do during its annual State Test Celebration Day. This year's event will be called Panthers Scream for Scary Good Scores: QHS B-Day Celebration. This celebration is our way of saying THANK YOU to our students and staff for the hard work, perseverance, growth, and accomplishments represented in this year's results.”
In a press release, district officials said they remain committed to strengthening instruction and providing students with a quality education. The district also plans to recognize students who earned perfect scores on state tests during its first Panther Pinnacle Red Carpet Event.
