When Bill Grissett Jr. initially ran for the Madison County School (MCS) Board in District 2, he had two children within MCS and their success depended on the success of the district. He wanted to contribute to making MCS the best within the state and now, with both his children graduated and his granddaughter currently within the district, his goal remains the same for each of the students beyond his vested personal interest.
“Beyond my personal family ties, as a board member and a member of our Madison County community, I care very much for every single one of our 13,000 students,” Grissett said. “I want for each of them today what I wanted in 2005 when I first ran and was elected to this office: for all our students to have what they need to succeed. Strong schools in Madison County make a difference for our entire community, attracting businesses, raising property values, and making Madison County a really great place to live for everyone, not just those with school-age children.”
Grissett is running for re-election in District 2 again this year. When he first ran 17 years ago, he knew a successful school district equals a successful community.
“Our excellent schools make Madison County attractive for businesses to come to the area as well as to people looking to relocate,” Grissett said. “I have learned a great deal about effective, even-handed leadership during my time on the school board as both a member and as president of the board. In addition, I was tapped to serve in a statewide capacity on the board of directors for the Mississippi School Board Association.”
His top priority is an excellent education for the students, which means ensuring they have the tools, information and instruction needed to succeed and leave a long-lasting, positive mark on society.
“Our district is successful by every measure, from being an A-rated district for nine consecutive years to winning championships in athletics and providing outstanding opportunities for students in the arts — Madison County Schools is one of the best districts in the state, and our board has worked hard to stay focused on the big picture: the importance of educating students and preparing them for future success.”
One of his accomplishments during his board tenure is having a hand in the implementation of the one-on-one initiative, which has put a MacBook, Chromebook, or iPad in the hands of each student in the district.
“This program allows for students to have resources they need for education beyond the school day and on weekends,” Grissett said.
During his time, the district has built at least 11 new school buildings without the use of bond issues or a tax increase for the community. “The effective management and stewardship is a big point of pride for our board,” Grissett said.
“MCS has also added career academies at all four of our high schools – helping prepare students to join the workforce and contribute immediately after high school. In addition to these highly visible projects, we have also been mindful to keep our existing facilities up-to-date, upgrading HVAC systems, updating lighting to save energy and money, and adding classrooms at numerous campuses to accommodate the growing student population. All of these improvements have been made without a tax increase.”
Grissett said more priorities have been identified and laid out before the board already to address in the upcoming years.
“We have a plan to keep the district moving forward, and I plan to approach school district business as I have always done: listen to what is being said, question what I don’t understand, and voice my opinion,” Grissett said. “I give attention and consideration to every item that comes before the board – taking time to research and examine each issue. It is important to me that the board focus on moving the district forward and continuing to provide opportunities for every student.”
With prioritizing the success of all schools within MCS, Grissett said MCS receiving an A grade on the State Accountability Ratings was a proud moment that he believes is due to the dedication to excellence within the district.
“The consecutive A rating for nearly a decade is a huge accomplishment for our students, teachers, and administrators,” Grissett said. “Our district is the highest-rated large county school district – making this achievement even more outstanding. More importantly, every school in the district meets or exceeds MDE’s goal for achievement. 15 schools go far above and beyond this goal by earning school-level A grades. Every campus has a reason to celebrate. Our leadership is already taking steps to raise the bar and increase academic quality and performance at every school, even those currently earning A grades.”
“I am a Christian man who is a husband, father, and grandfather,” Grissett said. “I have strong family values and continue to want the best for my children and grandchildren. I was a police officer for 30 years of my life, retiring from the Ridgeland Police Department. I learned a lot while working there, especially about serving the community. Serving the citizens of Madison County as a member of the school board is a continuation of that commitment I made to serve.”
