Jefferson County, Bessemer City Schools celebrate improved report cards as state declines overall [Video]

Alabama’s Department of Education reports a slight decline in the state’s overall education rating, but some central Alabama school districts are celebrating improvements.Jefferson County and Bessemer City Schools are among those celebrating milestones tonight. Jefferson County Schools adopted the motto “Opportunity Meets Success” and implemented school improvement plans, which Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin says are working.”Jefferson County Schools improved to an 82 as a district, up one point from last year,” said Gonsoulin.Gonsoulin reports other improvements, noting that 70 percent of schools showed improvement over the past year.Specifically, six schools scored A’s, and four improved their score by 10 or more points. Thirteen schools also increased their scores by a letter grade.”I’m very proud of the work we have done so far and the strides we have made,” said Gonsoulin.Bessemer City Schools are making strides as well. They completed or started six out of ten of its capital plan projects, …