The Vicksburg Warren School District is making strides in improving performance on all grade levels. But those strides must be met with optimism combined with the awareness that much more needs to be done.

State test scores released Tuesday show that students in the district’s elementary schools improved in math and language. Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Swinford said, “We are thrilled with the test scores.”

The work must continue. The advancements made locally still fall below the state average in nearly every category. That must not be lost in the celebration. Third-graders in the VWSD matched the state average in students scoring basic or above. In no category does the district exceed the state testing average.

That, too, must change. The news from the younger students, hopefully, will signal a change in direction from the district’s “At Risk of Failing” label two years ago. Last year, the district moved up to Academic Watch.

Swinford said that based on composite scores, the district is labeled “Successful.” A change in grading scales will use an A through F scale. Warren County’s schools and nearly 9,000 students would earn a C.

Again, we laud the efforts of the students, teachers and administrators. Rising two academic levels in two straight years should not be minimized, but neither should the fact that our district still lags behind the state average in nearly every grade level.

High school scores were, to be generous, disappointing. Local schools lagged state averages in algebra, biology and English as calculated from results from the Subject Area Tests. U.S. history scores were not available. Only 64 percent of students passed biology, 10 percent fewer than the state average. English scores were nearly eight points off the state average with only 66.5 percent of VWSD students passing.

High school students are not the future of this district. Elementary students carry that mantel and, judging by improvements across the board, we are glad of that.

The work is not done. It cannot be looked upon as if it is done. There can be no letup. As good as the news is, it must get better.

So grab a pen and paper, get face into textbook and make this district a shining star in our state.