Mississippians want their new state superintendent to put students first  

A recent survey revealed the majority of Mississippi citizens want their top education official to prioritize students’ needs and retain effective teachers.

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) commissioned the nonrepresentative poll of 900 citizens, 35% of whom identified as teachers, as it searches for a new State Superintendent of Education.

Eighty-nine percent of Mississippians wanted someone who “inspires trust,” is optimistic, and displays integrity. The vast majority (85%) also agreed they wanted a superintendent who is “strongly committed to a ‘students first’ philosophy in all decisions.”

Last November, the MDE tried to appoint Robert Taylor to the position, but his appointment was later rejected by the state Senate, which accused him of supporting woke policies.

“As Mississippi continues to fall further behind our neighbors in pro-student, pro-parent improvements to education, allowing a critical race theory-supporting liberal to serve as superintendent would be an insult to Mississippi families,” said Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ellisville.

Although the state has three relatively small school choice programs for students with special needs, it hasn’t implemented programs to serve low-income or otherwise disadvantaged children.

Nearly all survey participants also wanted their new superintendent to “develop and retain effective teachers” and “improve academic outcomes in low-achieving schools and districts.”  

Mississippi has had great success improving 4th grade reading scores after implementing phonics-based reading methods – also called the science of reading.  

However, it continues to struggle in math and middle school reading.