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Maury Co. Public Schools Recognized as "District on the Rise" in National Academic Recovery Report

Issue #728

May 14, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Friday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 83, low of 61

📰 Maury Co. Public Schools Recognized as "District on the Rise" in National Academic Recovery Report

🎉 5/15 & 16: MidTenn Supply’s Grand Opening

🦓 Nashville Zoo’s Spring Zzzoofari Slumber

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

✨ Read This Week’s Local Spotlight 👉 For Women with Nowhere Left to Turn: How This Columbia Organization Is Changing Lives across Middle Tennessee

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Maury Co. Public Schools Recognized as "District on the Rise" in National Academic Recovery Report

Maury County Public Schools has been recognized as a “District on the Rise,” in the newly released Education Recovery Scorecard, a national report highlighting school districts demonstrating exceptional academic progress following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report, produced through a collaboration between researchers at Harvard University, Stanford University, and Dartmouth College, identified Maury County Public Schools as one of only a handful of Tennessee school districts recognized for strong gains in both math and reading achievement.

According to the report, Tennessee ranked second in the nation for math recovery and fourth in reading recovery between 2022 and 2025, positioning the state as a national leader in post-pandemic academic growth.

Maury County Public Schools joined Johnson City Schools, Putnam County Schools and White County Schools among Tennessee school districts specifically highlighted for outperforming academically similar districts across the state in both subject areas.

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary work happening every day in our schools,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “Being identified as a school district on the rise in both math and reading demonstrates the dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families. We have remained focused on accelerating student achievement, investing in strong instructional practices, and ensuring every student has the support needed to succeed.”

Maury County Public Schools’ progress is the result of intentional efforts to strengthen academic support, expand intervention opportunities, and maintain a student-centered approach.

“We are proud of the growth our students continue to make,” Ventura said. “While this recognition is certainly worth celebrating, it also motivates us to continue building on this momentum and providing the highest quality educational opportunities for every child in Maury County.”

The Education Recovery Scorecard analyzes district-level student growth nationwide using assessment data from approximately 35 million students in grades 3-8 through the 2024-25 school year.

5/15 & 16: MidTenn Supply’s Grand Opening

Join us for the Grand Opening Celebration of MidTenn Supply TrueValue on May 15 & 16! 

We’re celebrating TWO DAYS with:

FREE hamburgers & hotdogs
Door prizes
Giveaways
Great products & hometown service

Bring the family, grab some lunch, and come see everything MidTenn Supply TrueValue has to offer! We can’t wait to welcome our community and celebrate with you all!

May 15 & 16
MidTenn Supply TrueValue
301 Canaan Rd, Columbia

Nashville Zoo’s Spring Zzzoofari Slumber

Head to the Nashville Zoo for a unique overnight camping experience as you sleep under the stars just a short distance away from the snoozing animals.

Recommended for families with kids ages 4-12 years old, Zzzoofari Slumber features a variety of activities during the evening and breakfast the next morning. Campers also receive free entry to the Zoo on Sunday. Zoofari Slumber is a rain-or-shine event.

Sat. May 23, 4PM - Sun. May 24, 9AM

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, May 15th

Saturday, May 16th

Sunday, May 17th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, May 15
Joey Sykes - The Spot Burgers & Beers, 5–8 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6–8 PM
The Bird & The Bear - Buck & Board, 6–8 PM
Blue Velvet Jazz - American Barrel, 6–9 PM
Don McKinnon - Grinder’s Switch, 7–9 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Kenny & Bob Acoustic Duo - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Troy Castellano - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Glitz and Glory - Boondox, 8:00 PM
Black Hole Sons - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, May 16
Grasskickers - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
JanaRose & The DeadEnds - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6–8 PM
Stevierock Acoustic Duo - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Chris Fox - Twisted Copper, 7–8:30 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Melanie Dyer - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Down South Band - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM
Chris Loggins - Twisted Copper, 8:30–10 PM

Sunday, May 17
The Cliftones - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM
Todd Ciprian - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2–5 PM
Maury County Community Band & Merchants of Cool - Ridley 4-H Center, 2 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk