SUMMARY: The Columbus Municipal School District is implementing changes to historic schools, including repurposing Franklin Academy and Fairview Elementary. The specific plans for repurposing are unclear, but it will involve closing the campuses as schools. Elementary grades will be consolidated into three schools, while Hunt School is being rebuilt and will house sixth graders and partner with educational programs. Superintendent Dr. Ellis anticipates completion of construction at Hunt by January and does not foresee staff reductions. The district is also considering partnerships with The W and EMCC for additional educational programs at Hunt.

Read the full article

The post CMSD announces plans to “repurpose” Franklin, Fairview schools appeared first on www.wcbi.com

SUMMARY: The Mississippi Supreme Court declined to rule on whether the state was violating its constitution with a $10 million grant program for private schools, as an advocacy group lacked legal standing to sue. The program, funded with federal pandemic relief money, was put on hold after a lawsuit by the ACLU and other organizations. Public schools were excluded from the grants, leading to concerns about competitive advantages. A separate program for interest-free loans for public schools was created. While three justices heard arguments on the issue, the court ultimately decided not to weigh in on the constitutional question.

Read the full article

The post Mississippi high court declines to rule on questions of public funds going to private schools appeared first on www.wjtv.com

SUMMARY: House Speaker Jason White proposed a ballot initiative for Mississippi voters to voice their opinion on Medicaid expansion, which was not well-received by the Senate. House Democrats are pushing for a work requirement in the expansion but have faced opposition. With the federal government consistently denying Medicaid expansion plans with work requirements, many lawmakers see little point in supporting a measure that is unlikely to be approved. House Minority Leader Robert Johnson III presented a compromise to Senate leadership, but the Senate seems unreceptive. Lawmakers have until Thursday to reach a deal on a conference report or Medicaid expansion will die.

Read the full article

The post Mississippi Medicaid expansion talks hit a wall appeared first on www.wjtv.com