The Vicksburg Warren School District (VWSD) on Thursday held at town hall-style meeting at the Vicksburg Warren Public Library. VWSD board member Alonzo Stevens opened the meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Tori Holloway announced the district has maintained a “B” rating for the year. He also noted that attendance rates have risen to 92%. He stated that the goal for attendance rates is 94-95%. Graduation rates are up to 92%, Holloway reported. He further stated that VWSD is the ninth largest school district in the state.

Holloway discussed the Career and Technical Educational branch of the high schools and the “logistics pathway,” which will allow students to obtain a commercial driving license as they graduate from high school. Holloway said this will allow students to enter the work force earning as much as $50,000-70,000 per year. VWSD is currently exploring the purchase of a driving simulator for use in training.

Another career pathway program, ACME (Architecture, Construction, Mechatronics & Engineering Career Academy) was recently recognized in Chicago for achieving National Model Status.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Cedric Magee outlined the Portrait of a Graduate program. This program focuses on four key skills that have been identified as critical to the future success of children, he said, and include: adaptability; communication; critical thinking; and responsibility.

Magee also emphasized “exit strategies” for graduates, including: entrepreneurship; military enlistment; secondary education; and employment. Each strategy is reviewed with the student and followed up with real-life examples, he said.

Holloway closed the session by emphasizing that uniting the school district is import to him. Future town halls will be held on the third Thursday of each month, with the meeting places to be announced at a later date, Holloway said.