The Vicksburg Warren School District recently lost its “District of Innovation” status, but according to VWSD Director of Communications Christi Kilroy, the impact of the loss will be minimal.

The District of Innovation status was granted to VWSD in 2016 and it allowed for waivers to certain state qualifications and requirements. For example, Vicksburg High School and Warren Central High School were eligible for a “seat-time waiver,” which Kilroy described as an allowance for students to spend less time in a traditional classroom setting and more time in alternative learning environments.

The only program that needs such waivers, she said, is River City Early College High School.

“When applying for the renewal, the state granted River City Early College High School with the status but not the district,” Kilroy said. “This status is still important for the success and structure of the River City Early College program. RCECHS is currently a School of Innovation and their structure will continue.”

According to the Mississippi Department of Education website, the goal of the Districts of Innovation program is to:

• Expand learning choices through innovation
• Enhance learning for all students through innovative instruction
• Implement rigorous standards
• Reduce achievement gaps
• Reduce student remediation post-graduation
• Increase student engagement for all

The distinction is not a form of accreditation, Kilroy said, citing additional concerns voiced by members of the community.

“We have lost no funding with this change and this designation is in no way tied to accreditation,” she said. “Additionally, we have heard some concerns about the Academy of Innovation — there will be no changes there. Some in the community were confused between the District of Innovation and the Academy of Innovation — this does not affect the AOI.”

Mississippi currently has 11 school districts with District of Innovation status: Building Bridges Collaborative-Baldwyn School District and Booneville School District; Grenada School District; Hinds County School District; Oxford School District; Rankin County School District; Tupelo Public School District; Corinth School District; Gulfport School District; Kosciusko School District and Harrison County School District.