Neshoba Central High School: A Hub of Active Student Development
Introduction
Neshoba Central High School (NCHS), under the leadership of Dr. Lundy Brantley, is experiencing a period of significant growth and transformation. Dr. Brantley, a seasoned educator with 26 years of experience, including six as superintendent of the Neshoba County School District (NCSD) and eight overall, is driving a vision to ensure all students graduate college and career-ready. This article explores the various initiatives and improvements implemented at NCHS and throughout the NCSD, highlighting the active role students play in their educational journey.
Academic Enhancements and Curriculum Expansion
Under Dr. Brantley's guidance, NCHS has seen a substantial expansion of its academic offerings. Courses such as Digital Media I&II and Engineering I&II have been introduced, providing students with opportunities to explore fields. To further enhance educational opportunities, block scheduling was implemented at NCHS and an eight-period day at Neshoba Central Middle School (NCMS).
Dr. Brantley also spearheaded the addition of new dual credit courses, national industry certifications, and internship/apprenticeship opportunities. This focus on practical skills and real-world experience prepares students for success. The implementation of the Mississippi Tech Masters Program further exemplifies this commitment, with the class of 2021 boasting 37 Tech Masters.
Prior to becoming Superintendent in Neshoba County, Brantley was the Superintendent for the Union Public School District where the district was 8th ranked K-12 district in the state with an “A” rating in 2016. Union Elementary was the number one ranked elementary school in the state during that time. three more AP Courses. The process of implementing STEM began during the 16-17 school year as well as adding pre-AP courses in the middle school. In the fall of 2015 Brantley led the effort to bring CTE courses to the district from a cooperative agreement which added more opportunity for the students and saved $54,000. Brantley implemented internships in the UPSD during the 2016-2017 school year.
Focus on College and Career Readiness
Dr. Brantley's vision for the NCSD is centered around preparing students for success beyond high school. His vision for the NCSD is for all students to graduate college and career ready with courses, certifications, and external experiences beyond a high school diploma. This is achieved through a multi-faceted approach that includes rigorous coursework, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to earn industry certifications.
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The district's emphasis on college and career readiness is reflected in its performance metrics. During the 2019 testing, the NCSD was recognized as one of the top districts in College and Career Readiness and Acceleration. Over the course of five years, National Industry Certifications, NIMS, and OSHA 10 increased from seven test passed to 182 tests passed in 2022.
Infrastructure Improvements and Technological Advancement
Recognizing the importance of a modern learning environment, the NCSD has invested heavily in infrastructure improvements. In the last four years, the district has spent over $13 million on infrastructure improvements to bring the district well into the 21st Century. There are currently $12 million in projects underway. One key initiative was the implementation of a 1:1 technology program, providing each student with access to a computer. Dr. Brantley embarked on a 1:1 initiative that was nearing completion when Covid-19 hit and was able to complete the initiative with the ESSER I dollars.
The Manufacturing and Innovation (M&I) Center
A cornerstone of the district's commitment to innovation is the Manufacturing & Innovation (M&I) Center. The M&I Center is place with everything from welding capabilities, metal lathes, CNC Laser Cutter and 3D Printing for students to create any project they can imagine. This state-of-the-art facility equips students with the tools and resources to bring their ideas to life, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. In the evening the M&I Center will be used for workforce development in conjunction with East Central Community College Workforce Development. Brantley was also able to partner with ECCC to bring the Precision Machining course to the NCSD campus.
Reading Initiative
Recognizing the fundamental importance of literacy, Dr. Brantley launched the “Read 20 Rockets” reading initiative for the NCSD to encourage students to read 20 minutes daily. This initiative aims to cultivate a love of reading and improve literacy skills across the district.
Neshoba County School District's "A Rating" Achievement
Dr. Brantley's leadership has been instrumental in the Neshoba County School District achieving an "A Rating" for the first time ever from the 2021-2022 school year rating higher (11th Ranked) than districts that have more resources and a lower free and reduced lunch count. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work of students, teachers, and administrators, and it demonstrates the district's commitment to providing a high-quality education for all students. Dr. Brantley is one of only a select number of superintendents to lead two districts to an “A Rating.” In Dr. Brantley’s first year the district moved from a “C” rating to a “B” rating with an 48 point increase during 2018 testing. The district increased 8 points during the 2019 testing and remained a “B” with all three school either an “A” or “B” for the first time. During the 2021-2022 school year, the NCES Kindergarten scores were the number one district in Mississippi. From 2017-2021 the number of Mississippi Scholars increased from 17 to 53. In 2019, Brantley implemented the Mississippi Tech Masters Program with the class of 2021 having 37 Tech Masters.
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Prior Successes
Before joining the superintendent ranks, Brantley was Principal at a very high profile Pearl High School for three years where they were an “A” rated high school. During his time in Pearl he increased the number of dual credit courses, added AP Art, and led increases in the graduation rate. During this time period, PHS had five National Merit Finalists. Dr. Brantley was the Principal at Eupora High School (7-12) for two years. Eupora increased 10 QDI points in his first year alone and over two years, the 7th and 8th grade increased by 21 points over two years. Before becoming a high school principal, Brantley was principal at Neshoba Central Elementary for two years. During his two years at NCES, Brantley implemented PLCs and increased the QDI by five points. Brantley implemented a summer library program as well as summer enrichment. Brantley departmentalized fifth grade and implemented team teaching in grades three and four. Prior to becoming a principal, Brantley was an assistant principal at the elementary and middle school levels.
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