Oxford Schools showcase growth, programs at inaugural state luncheon

Oxford School District used its first State of the Schools luncheon and campus tour to show off a system in motion: bond-funded construction is nearly complete, enrollment keeps climbing and leaders are still asking how to keep pace with staffing and student support needs.

The event brought together district leaders, city officials, community partners and state elected officials as guests moved across campuses and saw how much has changed at Oxford Early Childhood Center, Bramlett Elementary School, Della Davidson Elementary School, Central Elementary School, Oxford Intermediate School, Oxford Middle School and Oxford High School. District leaders framed the day as a way to strengthen relationships with the people who influence school funding, facilities and confidence in Oxford schools.

For families, the biggest near-term changes are in the buildings themselves. Oxford School District said in 2025 that one of the most significant construction and renovation efforts in its history was nearly complete, with projects touching every campus and funded largely by a $37 million bond approved by voters in fall 2023. The work included a full remodel of Oxford Early Childhood Center, new classroom wings and tornado shelters at Bramlett and Della Davidson, renovations at Oxford Intermediate and Oxford Middle, added Career Pathways Center space and classrooms at Oxford High, and athletic upgrades including a new soccer field, video boards, a turf practice field and the Center for Athletic Performance.

The district’s other big pressure point is growth. Superintendent Bradley Roberson said in 2022 that Oxford should plan for annual enrollment growth of 2.75% to 3.25% over the next decade, and the district’s 2022 grade-realignment plan was built around that projection. Under the revised setup, pre-kindergarten moved to the former Oxford Elementary site, kindergarten and first grade to Bramlett, second and third grades to Della Davidson, fourth and fifth grades to Central, sixth grade to Oxford Intermediate and seventh and eighth grades to Oxford Middle.

Academically, Oxford continues to present itself as a high-performing district, but the numbers also show why leaders keep emphasizing support services. The district said it has been an A-rated district for 10 consecutive years. Its accountability score rose from 701 in 2022 to 714 in 2023 and 732 in 2024, then reached 749 for 2024-25, the highest mark in district history. At the same time, the district says it serves about 4,756 students, including 387 current English learners who speak more than 41 languages.

Funding remains part of the story too. In 2024, the district said it would keep its millage rate at 30.70 despite the $37 million bond, pointing to a 7% increase in state funding worth another $1.85 million. Roberson, who has served Oxford schools in multiple roles for about 20 years and was named a finalist for the 2025 Superintendent of the Year award, has repeatedly tied the district’s progress to early learning, teacher recruitment and retention, and the steady backing of Lafayette County voters.