Currently, Mississippi ranks as the second lowest in the amount teachers are paid. South Dakota is the only state that teacher average salary is less than Mississippi.

The National Education Association reports that Mississippi teachers make an average of $41,975 with a starting salary of $31, 187.

Within the county, we have three school districts that have shown great improvement over the last several years.

According to Mississippi Department of Education reports, both Pearl River County and Poplarville School Districts are B school districts and Picayune High School and Pearl River Central High School both went, in one year, from being on academic watch to being considered successful.

Picayune High School raised their Quality of Distribution Index (QDI), which is based on student performance on statewide assessments, 30 points from the previous year. Pearl River Central High School increased their QDI score 27 points.

Poplarville School District has stayed consistent throughout the years in their state scores and ranking in the state.

Pearl River County School District also ranked number 20 in the top 25 school districts in the state.

It’s obvious the teachers and administration in our school districts are recognizing their problems and constantly trying to improve and strive for better.

Things are not perfect and there are always going to be issues to address, but the fact is the districts are striving to create a better future for the community and to produce successful students.

The topic of teacher pay raises is currently being discussed in the legislative session.

Let’s show that Mississippi cares about its students, its teachers and about the education system. Call your state representatives and senators and tell them that the teachers in the county deserve to be rewarded for their hard work and dedication.