Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Duran Swinford was given a “favorable” rating in her first four months on the job by Vicksburg Warren School District trustees Friday.

The board convened a special called meeting only for the purpose of finalizing Swinford’s evaluation according to a timetable established at her hiring and before two board members, District 1 trustee Jerry Boland and District 5 member Tommy Shelton, finish their terms prior to the next regular meeting Jan. 27.

“In discussions of some goals that she has and some things that we have observed, (Dr. Swinford) has a favorable evaluation, with the understanding that she will continue to do those things that will improve test scores and will have an even better working relationship with all of the employees,” said board president and District 2 representative Zelmarine Murphy.

No votes were taken during the hour-long executive session in which trustees came to a consensus through discussion on how they rated the superintendent’s performance.

Swinford was chosen in July from a pool of four finalists to replace Dr. James Price, who retired June 30. She was given a two-year contract at $125,000 annually, officially stepping into the job Aug. 23.

During her first four months in office, Swinford has reorganized administrative leadership in the district, hiring a director of curriculum and instruction, a director of federal programs and a special education director. She has met with parents and community groups in “listen and learn” forums, been a frequent visitor in schools and classrooms and hired a firm to provide professional development services.

The superintendent, charged at her hiring with improving the district’s image, has also been a visible presence in the community, addressing the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce and civic groups, modeling in a fashion show along with other public officials, riding on parade floats and initiating the Real People Read campaign in schools.

Shelton declined to run for a second term, and Boland was defeated Nov. 2 in his quest for re-election. Incoming board members Sally Bullard and Bryan Pratt will be sworn in at the board’s regular meeting Jan. 27.