The Alabama Department of Education publishes letter grades for school districts

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Alabama school districts are reviewing whether they’ve achieved the grade after the Alabama Department of Education released last year’s school ratings.

This is the first time these letter grades have been released in three years, giving a better picture of which school districts in Alabama are making the grade.

Saraland City Schools achieved the highest grade on the Gulf Coast. They achieved a 94 or an A grade. Saraland City Schools also ranked 4th out of 145 districts in Alabama.

“It’s really a tribute to all of our staff, our support staff, it takes every single person in the school system,” said Dr. Aaron Milner, the Superintendent of Saraland City Schools.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, these are the first letter grades since 2019. The US Department of Education waived accountability results reporting requirements during this time. Partly due to distance learning and school closures.

“It is extremely rewarding to know that we have weathered Covid and been able to not only sustain but outperform each of our schools,” said Dr. Milner.

Escambia County Schools performed worst at 77 or C.

Chickasaw City Schools, Clarke County Schools, and Conecuh County Schools also all received a C grade.

Baldwin County Schools received a B with an overall score of 85.

Mobile County Public Schools also received a B with an overall score of 80. Just a few points lower than the 2018-2019 school year.

Superintendent for MCPSS Cresal Threadgill said he was proud to have maintained the B average overall.

Threadgill released this statement to WKRG News 5 about her grade:

In terms of Mobile County Public Schools’ state report card grades, we are very proud to have maintained an overall B average despite many difficulties over the past few years. We are still dealing with learning losses from the recent pandemic. However, our teachers go to great lengths to fill learning gaps after some students have been absent from school for a full year.

We should also consider the size of our district when comparing our school system to others in Alabama. In all honesty, Mobile County, as the largest school district in Alabama, has nearly 20,000 MORE students than the second-largest district in Alabama. Most of our schools are Title I schools with families who have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. As such, the fact that we continue to gain ground and maintain our B-average is a true testament to our students, teachers and administrators and their dedication to success. I am very proud of their hard work.

I am also very proud of the fact that our 4-year punctual completion rate is 88 percent and that 82 percent of our students have state-certified higher education entrance qualifications and professional qualifications.

However, as Superintendent I am not satisfied, although I am proud of everyone. We don’t get complacent; We will continue to strive to become an A district. We are currently taking actions to address our vulnerabilities. I am confident that as we continue to provide the outstanding instruction, interventions and enrichment we experience every day in our schools, we will continue to grow and strive to become #EXTRAordinary yet.

Cresal Threadgill, MCPSS Superintendent