With a new test and a recalibrated grading system, Brookhaven and Lincoln County school district scored a C on the state’s A-F rating system.

That was on par with the state average, according to data released Thursday by the Mississippi Department of Education.

For the past two years, districts received waivers to use higher grades earned earlier because of changing standards and tests. This year’s score will stand as-is, without the option to claim a waiver.

The Brookhaven School District improved its rating in the most recent results. It earned a D last year. Without a waiver last year, the Lincoln County School District would have earned a C, the same as this year.

“The state on average is a C in terms of academic achievement and I think that’s a good starting point,” said State Superintendent Carey Wright.

Fourteen districts in the state earned A ratings. Oxford School District scored the highest in the state with 745 points out of 1,000 possible.

Individually for some local schools, the picture wasn’t as pretty. Loyd Star, Bogue Chitto and Enterprise earned a D, as did Lipsey.

West Lincoln, Brookhaven Elementary and Mamie Martin Elementary earned a B. Alexander Junior High and Brookhaven High earned a C.

Educators and administrators have rightly grumbled about the ever-changing standards and tests, but the grades are what each school will be judged by. The results show that there’s room for improvement, and Brookhaven’s scores are moving in the right direction overall. We look forward to Lincoln County’s doing the same.