For the first time, all LCSD schools have been recognized as Mississippi Military STAR Schools.
We've completed a comprehensive new strategic plan, created with over 3,000 stakeholder responses, while retiring our previous plan by meeting or exceeding 90 percent of our goals. We continue to invest in instructional technology as a one-to-one Apple district, placing upgraded devices in the hands of teachers and students. These tools will never replace great in-person teaching, but they do help prepare our students for a digital future.
Many of our graduates are now earning more college credit than ever before through dual emollment opportunities with MCC, EMCC, and Tougaloo College. New job-shadowing partnerships, such as those with Ochsner-Rush, are also enhancing career exploration opportunities for students with special needs. In addition, our expanded work-based learning programs are providing students with meaningful, real world experiences, helping them explore potential career paths and build practical skills before graduation.
Safety and facilities remain top priorities across our district. Every campus is staffed with a School Resource Officer, and we have made significant security upgrades, including new fencing, intercom systems, and more than 500 surveillance cameras. Our transportation fleet has also been enhanced with GPS tracking, upgraded communication tools, and advanced camera systems to ensure student safety in transit with more new buses ordered for the fleet.
Beyond security, we have continued investing in our facilities. Recent improvements include updated playgrounds, drainage solutions, roofing, pavement projects, and renovated learning spaces across several campuses. Looking ahead, construction is progressing on our new Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development Center, scheduled to be completed in December 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will offer students hands-on learning in fields such as marketing, agricultural power, public safety, and educational preparation.
We continue to take a proactive and strategic approach to financial stewardship. In partnership with Glimpse and the Mississippi Legislative PEER Committee, we are evaluating expenditures to ensure every dollar delivers meaningful results for students and return on investment. When state funding for Pre-K fell short, the Phil Hardin Foundation generously stepped in, allowing us to continue providing high-quality early learning opportunities. Additionally, the revitalized Lauderdale County School Foundation is creating new avenues for classroom grants and student emichment to alleviate some of the financial pressures our district has recently faced.
We introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) to our LCSD team last year. With national leaders now emphasizing AI readiness for students, it is critical we stay ahead of the curve, even when the learning curve feels steep. With Mississippi's largest ever investment set to launch here with our new data center, our time to rise to the occasion in now.