Statement from MEC President Blake Wilson on the Southern Regional Education Board’s annual report, showing improvements in all levels of education in Mississippi:

The Mississippi Economic Council has long been an advocate for improving education, with priorities placed on adequate and appropriate funding at all levels, demanding additional accountability and focusing on improving in the state’s dropout rate.

The commitment of Governor Haley Barbour, the leaders and members of the Mississippi legislature, statewide educational leaders – and the local superintendents, principals, teachers, parents and students who have done the hard work to move the state forward over the last decade is now paying huge dividends, said MEC President Blake Wilson.

“Leaders across the state have made education a priority,” Wilson said. “In addition to the legislative action, there has been a huge commitment on the part of the private sector in working to reduce the dropout rate, raise the level of rigor and promote and recognize achievement. “The results of everyone’s hard work are beginning to show as the stars are aligning for vast improvements in education in Mississippi.”

Wilson said with the leadership of Dr. Tom Burnham, State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Hank Bounds, former state superintendent who is now commissioner of higher education, and Dr. Eric Clark, the executive Director of the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges, the state is poised to make even greater strides in the future.

“MEC recognizes there is a direct correlation between educational success and business success,” Wilson said. “An educated workforce is vital to the state’s economic success and necessary in putting Mississippi in the place of greatest opportunity. Corporate relocation experts understand this – and progress like this promotes the kind of headlines that prompt leaders to take another look at Mississippi.