Students attending Jackson Public Schools deserve an equitable education that ensures their success in school and in life. By working together with the community, engaging subject matter experts and leveraging partners and funders, we can create a better tomorrow for our students, staff and community.

Better Together Overview

Graphical outline of Better Together implementation plan

When parents, families and communities partner with schools to support learning, students succeed. That's why Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba, the Jackson Public School (JPS) district, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation have come together to form a 15-member volunteer commission representative of all sectors. In 2018, the commission is charged with working with the community to create a plan that ensures the academic success of all JPS students.

Expected Outcomes

Over the next year, the commission will lead a comprehensive study of Jackson’s educational system, while also leveraging the expertise of local, state and national resources. Additionally, the commission will engage the community through listening tours, a poll and door-to-door canvassing to create a plan of action that includes the community’s vision and voice and ensures the success of all 25,595 JPS students.

Progress

Better Together Progress Step 1 Complete
Hold community listening sessions
Better Together Progress Step 2 Complete
Send out RFP for education study
Better Together Progress Step 3 Incomplete
Telephone poll Jackson residents
Better Together Progress Step 4 Incomplete
Knock on 60,000 household doors
Better Together Progress Step 5 Incomplete
Conduct a study of the educational ecosystem
Better Together Progress Step 6 Incomplete
Create a plan for success