Jackson Madison County School Board gives superintendent King glowing review on evaluation

Jackson Madison County School Board approved the superintendent's evaluation during a special-called meeting on Tuesday.

Since Superintendent Marlon King took the helm of the Jackson Madison County School System in July 2020, the school system has made positive strides.

King received an overall evaluation score of 98.1 and praise from the board.

A video by the district reflected over some of the school district's achievements and initiatives over the past couple of years, including  a 3% raise for teachers, a bonus and support for insurance increases for all employees. For the first time in awhile, the school system was provided with more employee bonuses in the past two years when compared to nearby regions.

Under King's leadership, there has also been academic progress observed in JMCSS students. Third through eighth grade students improved in English and language arts, scoring above the state average. Twenty-four high school students scored 30 or higher on the ACT, and graduation rates improved, while innovation programs are on the rise.

Jackson Central Merry (JCM) and Madison Academic Schools were able to operate in new multi-million dollar buildings through a partnership with  LLC Madison County and the city of Jackson.

A workforce development center, the expansion of the central office board room, securing a physical location for academic support of cyber school, and receiving an unanimous vote to fund the construction of Pope School has kept King and his team busy.

King's emphasis on the arts in each school has helped to produce champions and enhanced talents.

"I am glad the superintendent got a wonderful evaluation," board member Doris Black said. "It shows how the board has worked together on the same accord and how they are thinking alike for the sake of the children."

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: School board gives superintendent King glowing review on evaluation