There is a lot of information to break down and analyze in the latest Louisiana Department of Education accountability rankings.

The obvious positive news is the fact St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools improved its District rating from a C to a B.

In the weeks and months ahead, administrators and teachers will pour over the numbers and make adjustments they feel help the District continue this positive trend.

Hard decisions are needed for Fifth Ward Elementary and Garyville-Mt. Airy Math & Science Magnet School, as they are the only two schools in the District that scored at a D level.

However, in the interim, it’s the students who deserve the lion’s share of the thanks.

Performance Scores are based on student achievement on annual assessments, academic indicators and measures of career and college readiness.

The students are the ones who performed, and in doing so, ignited a benchmark we can all point to with pride within our community.

Thank you students of St. John Parish Public Schools.

In speaking with L’OBSERVATEUR Thursday afternoon, Superintendent Kevin George was quick to point out the District rating helps the entire community.

“When people are looking to move into South Louisiana, into a District where they are going to move, the first question asked is, ‘how is the school system?’” he said. “When that real estate agent can say, ‘this is a B-rated school system’ or ‘This school ranks on the honor roll,’ that helps the community, that helps economic development, that helps everything.”

Normally, it’s the parents and adults who provide for the students. However, in this case, it’s the students who provided for the community.

They have given us something to brag about. For that, we are thankful.