Lance Evans, a native of Mantachie, had a clear vision for the state’s Department of Education from the moment he assumed the role of superintendent. With a list of priorities in hand, Evans set out to make significant changes to the education system in Mississippi. One of his main goals was to provide more support to low-performing school districts and to strengthen or implement workforce development programs. Additionally, Evans aimed to address teacher shortages and restore faith in the public school system.
In a news release, Evans emphasized the need for innovative approaches and diverse strategies to ensure the success of 21st-century students. He recognized that every student has a unique path to achievement and stressed the importance of creating flexible pathways for all students to succeed without encountering dead ends.
Evans also focused on supporting underperforming schools and districts through the MDE’s Office of School and District Transformation. His goal was to provide proactive support to districts in need, helping them improve student outcomes and prevent the need for a state takeover. By working closely with local boards, Evans aimed to create systems that are responsive to the specific challenges faced by each district.
Another key aspect of Evans‘ plan was to integrate workforce development into career and technical education programs. By partnering with private businesses, students would have the opportunity to seek internships and gain valuable real-world experience. Evans recognized the evolving expectations of the industry and emphasized the importance of preparing students for the workforce before they graduate high school.
Evans‘ experience as a local superintendent informed many of his ideas, as he had firsthand knowledge of the issues facing Mississippi’s education system. By listening to the experiences of others and understanding the needs of different districts, Evans was able to develop a comprehensive plan to improve education in the state.
One of Evans‘ primary goals was to reduce the teacher shortage by bringing back retired teachers. While progress had been made in improving the state retirement system, Evans acknowledged that there were still obstacles preventing teachers from returning to the workforce. By making the system more user-friendly, Evans hoped to attract more teachers back into the classroom.
Chronic absenteeism was another issue that Evans aimed to address, building on the MDE’s efforts to reduce absenteeism rates. By implementing statewide awareness campaigns and working with districts to track and improve attendance, Evans hoped to decrease the number of students who were chronically absent from school.
Evans‘ track record of success as superintendent of the New Albany School District, where he raised the graduation rate and implemented a successful workforce development program, made him a strong candidate for the role of state superintendent. His vision for the future of education in Mississippi, along with his ability to bring together diverse stakeholders, set him apart as a leader in the field.
Overall, Evans‘ primary goals as state superintendent included updating the State Board Strategic Plan, restructuring support for low-performing districts, integrating workforce development into education programs, addressing teacher shortages, and increasing enrollment in public schools. With his experience, vision, and dedication to improving education, Lance Evans is poised to make a significant impact on the future of Mississippi’s public school system.