STARKVILL, Miss. (WTVA) -- On Thursday, the Starkville School District held the first meeting that's aimed at helping to develop strategic plans for future of the district.
"It's been some time since the district has been involved in a locally-led stakeholders' strategic plan. So we've invited 70 stakeholders to this meeting, and it will be set up for four months with four different meetings," said superintendent Lewis Holloway.
The main focus is on the stakeholders.
Of the 70 selected stakeholders, 40 are people from the community, and the other 30 are Starkville School District employees.
"Well, the stakeholders are the like the mayor, different business people, people who are parents in the school district, just the people who make up the community. And most of all of these are already involved in the school system. And we are just excited on getting their input on where the district should be," said Holloway.
"I think it's a very important committee to form to allow us to give feedback for the planning of the future of the school district," said stakeholder Tamara Gibson.
Some folks at the meeting said that the school district is doing well already and there is no reason to not make it an even better school district.
"I think our children get a good education already and have many opportunities, and I am very pleased," said Gibson.
"Today, we are reflecting on all the things we've accomplished since June. I think it's impressive — the laptops for teachers, smartboards in every room, the assessment system we've moved to and our reading series in our district. So, I'm very pleased and hope that those things make a significant difference in the education in our students," added Holloway.
The second meeting will be held February 21 at the Hilton Garden Inn. It will focus on priorities of the school district.
