We hear a lot about the strength of Demopolis City Schools, but yesterday’s news from the Alabama Department of Education is proof-positive that public schools throughout Marengo County are doing well.

Only one school did not fully meet Average Yearly Progress (AYP). Marengo High School failed to meet the benchmark for graduation levels. However, students at the school showed much improvement in their math and reading scores.

Furthermore, schools in Marengo County and Linden that have been listed as needing improvement have spent the last two years improving their scores.

Because of this hard work, they are no longer flagged as in-need of improvement.

In the end, all three districts &045; Demopolis City Schools, Linden City Schools and Marengo County Schools &045; met their AYP marks as a system.

This news should inspire educators as they begin a new year, and our students should take pride in what they have been able to accomplish.