Superintendent's Message: Education Innovation

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of speaking at the Mississippi School Board Association (MSBA) Conference, an organization dedicated to advocating for and strengthening public education across our state. As someone who has had the privilege of serving as Superintendent of the Grenada School District since 2006, I’ve witnessed firsthand how education can transform a community. The MSBA’s mission aligns closely with the work we’ve done in Grenada, focusing on leadership, advocacy, and ensuring school boards have the tools they need to drive positive change in education. 

When I became superintendent, I was determined to make a difference, not just within the walls of our schools but in the very fabric of our community. With strategic planning, strong leadership, and a dedicated team, we have increased student achievement, improved economic opportunities, and enhanced the overall quality of life for our citizens.

In 2016, our school board adopted a bold vision for innovation and supported an ambitious plan to reshape education in Grenada. This commitment led to our designation as a District of Innovation, a title that allowed us to rethink traditional education models and implement research-backed strategies aimed at developing independent, confident, and capable students. One of the key initiatives under this plan was the expansion of STEM pathways, including Computer Science, Biomedical Science, and Engineering, in every school in our district.

In fact, we even integrated STEM education into our 4th and 5th grade curriculum, blending it with Mississippi science standards to enhance rigor and improve student performance on state tests. As a result, Grenada Elementary School’s 4th and 5th grade has been recognized as a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for five consecutive years, a testament to our commitment to student engagement, achievement, and access to high-quality STEM education. Our school’s Discovery Lab, along with its integrated curriculum, has provided hands-on learning experiences that strengthen students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Outstanding educators like Devon Tipton have been instrumental in teaching and modeling these STEM strategies for both our teachers and students. Devon leads by example, inspiring both students and fellow educators alike. He has been crucial in integrating STEM with the Mississippi science standards, helping to create a learning environment where innovation and academic excellence thrive. We were also proud to see Principal Carol Tharpe honored as a Distinguished Administrator for her leadership in supporting these initiatives.

Furthermore, Grenada School District was awarded the PLTW Community Award, recognizing our efforts to bridge education with industry and create real-world learning opportunities. Our partnerships with local businesses have bolstered workforce development, equipping students with the skills they need for high-demand careers.

The release of “Launching a STEM Story for Every Student,” a national Impact Profile, highlighted our journey in transforming education through STEM. The report showcases how early exposure, hands-on learning, and industry partnerships have positioned Grenada as a model for educational innovation, both regionally and nationally.

Our district’s success stems from two key strategies that set us apart. First, we prioritize early exposure to STEM, introducing foundational concepts as early as Pre-K and continuously building on them through every grade level. Second, we take an intentional approach to curriculum integration—STEM isn’t treated as a standalone subject but is woven throughout all areas of learning to deepen and enhance core academic skills.

These strategies have played a significant role in our transformation into an A-rated district, a direct result of years of strategic planning, quality instruction, and unwavering dedication to student success.

The impact of these efforts continues to be felt across our community. For example, the class of 2023 earned nearly $3 million in scholarships, an achievement that reflects the hard work and support of our school board, teachers, and students.

Building on the success of our earlier initiatives, the Grenada School District recently unveiled its state-of-the-art Mobile Fab Lab, a collaborative effort between the district, the Grenada Public Education Foundation, and local industry leaders. This mobile classroom provides hands-on training for students and community members, preparing them with the skills needed for the region’s growing workforce.

This mobile lab is just the beginning of our next chapter in STEM education. Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce the Entrepreneurial and Innovation Center (EIC) in the 2026-2027 school year. The EIC will provide students with cutting-edge technologies and real-world experiences in engineering, design, and manufacturing. Some of the innovative programs within the EIC include the Tiny House Project, which applies carpentry and engineering skills to create sustainable homes, and Simulated Forklift Driving, an immersive training program for logistics and manufacturing careers.

Additionally, we will offer HealthTracks and the Anatomage Table, which revolutionizes medical career preparation with 3D anatomical visualization and realistic simulations. The Immersive Learning Lab, featuring zSpace technology, will bring abstract STEM concepts to life through interactive, 3D explorations, enhancing spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills essential for careers in science, healthcare, and engineering.

The success of the Grenada School District is a testament to the power of collaboration between school boards, educators, and communities. When we unite behind a shared vision, transformation is not just possible—it’s inevitable. Our story demonstrates that intentional, early, and integrated STEM education can drive district-wide change and prepare students for future success. It’s a model that any district can adapt to create their own success story.

It was a privilege to share Grenada’s journey with the MSBA and to highlight the power of innovative education in unlocking student potential. Our district’s success serves as an inspiration, showing that when we provide students with the right tools and opportunities, they can achieve remarkable things.

As we continue our journey toward educational excellence, we remain committed to ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed. Our students are the future, and we are proud to be preparing them for a world of endless possibilities.