The Vicksburg Warren School District has a lofty goal that could put our county at the forefront of education in Mississippi.

“Our goal is that in about five years we want students to be able to walk across the stage not only with a high school diploma, but also with an associate’s degree,” Assistant Superintendent David Campbell told the Vicksburg Lions Club this week.

Perhaps this move would make education more relevant for students. Behind poor literacy, a feeling of education being irrelevant is the second most common reason for dropouts, Campbell said.

“That will give them the opportunity to go on to college, choose a four-year college and only spend two years in that four-year college,” he said. “It also opens the door for kids who may not can spend four years in college (to be prepared to go to work).”

The bold plan also calls for the school district to officer 16 career areas for training.

Ninth-graders, Campbell said, will be able to make a choice of those and receive general instruction with specific course work that would begin in the 10th grade.

“By the 11th grade, with their course work, they should have enough credits to graduate if they choose,” he said. “That is not what we’re going to recommend. We’re not trying to push out a bunch of 11th-graders with diplomas. We’re going to give them the opportunity for dual enrollment through Hinds Community College.”

The work, of course, will be difficult for the school district and hopefully challenging enough for high school students to prepare them for a four-year college or university of their choice.

By raising the bar of education, we raise the standard of living in our community. No longer will businesses come to Mississippi seeking strong backs and weak minds.

“Things are going to continue to happen, and you are going to see a turnaround that’s going to start from our children,” Campbell said. “There are communities that are already doing this, and we are looking at what they’re doing. We are trying every way we can.”