The honors keep coming for Lincoln County schools.

     After receiving a glowing report and a grade of B, or high performing, from the state Board of Education on district schools’ test results and having West Lincoln Attendance Center named a National Blue Ribbon School recently, the head of the district will soon hold a powerful office among Mississippi educators.

     Lincoln County School District Superintendent Terry Brister is currently serving as president-elect of the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents. He will take the office of president during the summer of 2013.

     Brister will be the first Lincoln County superintendent to ever serve as president of MASS. He said he is honored to be selected by his peers across the state for the position.

     “I want to thank MASS and Dr. Sam Bounds, head of the MASS organization, for giving me this opportunity,” he said. “Hopefully, it can be beneficial to Lincoln County schools and give us the exposure and prestige in order to showcase our hard work and determination.”

     Statewide, MASS has 152 superintendent members. Brister served as secretary of the group last year before being voted in as president-elect.

     “It’s a prominent organization in Mississippi as far as education is concerned,” said Brister of MASS. “It’s one of the largest educational organizations in the state. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

     Brister said his new post would not distract him from his duties in Lincoln County.

     “I have to lead Lincoln County because that’s where I’m from, but I will do the same thing with the state,” he said. “MASS’ goal is to serve all students of the state of Mississippi.”

     Starting next summer, Brister will preside over a state working to improve its test scores and educational standing. However, he said it’s important for people to understand what is already being done in the state.

     “Despite what people say, Mississippi is doing a lot of great things that may not be brought to the forefront like it should have been,” he said.

     While in office, Brister will lead MASS in its push toward 2013 legislative goals, which include full funding of the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, improving teachers’ salaries, responsible implementation of any charter schools and stability of the state retirement system.

     The charter schools issue was among the state Legislature’s most talked about topics during the 2012 session. The issue is sure to come back in 2013.

     Brister said he has no problem with charter schools, as long as they’re treated the same as other schools.

     “We don’t want to let charter schools off lightly,” he said. “We want them held to the same accountability standards as other students and teachers across the state.”

     However, Brister does not think charter schools will be an issue in Lincoln County.

     “I feel like in our area charter schools are not needed,” he said. “Schools here are doing a great job with education, but we can do better.”