Wilkinson, Miss. — The Mississippi State Board of Education placed the Wilkinson County School District under state control, citing serious academic deficiencies.

The state board placed the school district into a District of Transformation, meaning it is now a state-led district under the supervision of the Mississippi Department of Education and the State Board of Education.

In report cards for the 2024-2025 school year, Wilkinson County received an "F" rating for the second year in a row. The MDE says that makes the district the lowest performing in the state.

The report card also says the district currently has a 68% graduation rate, below the state average of 89.2%.

According to the MDE, the school district has not completed an annual financial audit since 2022. It has also received a probation accreditation status for 8 of the last 11 years and was cited for test security violations in 2023, which resulted in Wilkinson High School not receiving an accountability grade.

"Thankfully, the law allows the state to intervene when a local school district cannot provide students with an adequate and stable educational environment. The MDE and the State Board are committed to ensuring the students of Wilkinson County receive the quality education they deserve," Mississippi State Superintendent of Education Dr. Lance Evans said.

The state has appointed Lee Coats to serve as Wilkinson County's interim superintendent

WBRZ covers Wilkinson as it is a part of our viewing area.