Mississippi News
Tunica County Schools closer to local control
Tunica County Schools closer to returning to local control in 2024
The Mississippi State Board of Education on Thursday began the process of returning the Tunica County School District in 2024.
Tunica was placed under state control through the “District of Transformation” model in 2015, after an audit found “serious deficiencies” in special education, federal programs, instructional programs, career technical education and district governance, according to the Mississippi Department of Education. Margie Pulley was named interim superintendent when the takeover occurred.
Schools are placed in the this model when two state entities, the Commission on School Accreditation and Board of Education, both declare an extreme emergency situation exists in a district and the governor subsequently signs a declaration of a state of emergency. The districts lose their school boards and are instead overseen by the state Board of Education. The state board also replaces the acting superintendent with a new one of its choosing.
The state has taken over school districts 21 times since 1996. Currently, the Noxubee County School District and Holmes County School District are under state control in this model, and the Yazoo City and Humphreys County school districts are under state control in the Achievement School District. The ASD is similar but places schools under state control for poor academic performance, whereas the District of Transformation model is for districts with accreditation violations.
To be released, a district must earn an accountability grade of C or higher for five consecutive years. In a presentation to the board, interim State Superintendent Mike Kent said “we are confident” the district will have achieved that after this academic year and requested the board allow MDE to begin searching for new school board members to eventually serve the district.
“We're looking at an 18-month period of time where we seek board members and try to train them, and then hopefully at the end of 2023 we have the Tunica County School District in a position where we can hand it off with the best possible chance of success,” Kent said.
The state board approved, and now MDE will seek out board members to serve the school district in an “advisory capacity” under Pulley until the end of 2023, and become full voting members in January 2024. In November 2023, the state board will request the governor lift the state of emergency and return the district to local control in 2024. The new school board will then begin the search for the district's new superintendent.
This would be the second time Tunica is returned to local control; it was first taken over by the state in 1997, and released in 2002.
Those interested in serving on the school board can complete an application here by July 14.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Two arrested for stealing AT&T internet lines in Adams County
SUMMARY: Two individuals, Joshua Peebles and Tiffany Vickers, were arrested in Adams County for stealing copper by cutting AT&T internet lines. This was the second time in two weeks that deputies had responded to internet lines being cut. The suspects admitted to stealing 143 feet of internet lines on both occasions. They were arrested in Claiborne County during a traffic stop, and stolen property and burglary tools were recovered. Peebles and Vickers are facing charges of felony possession of stolen property in Claiborne County, as well as grand larceny and larceny charges in Adams County, resulting in approximately $10,000 in damages from each incident.
The post Two arrested for stealing AT&T internet lines in Adams County appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Columbus Tree Board plants tree at Riverwalk for Arbor Day
SUMMARY: National Arbor Day is celebrated on the third Friday in April to highlight the importance of trees for the environment and health. The City of Columbus planted their first tree in recognition of Arbor Day, with the mayor emphasizing the health benefits of trees for current and future generations. Trees have been shown to improve mood, help combat depression, and beautify communities. Mississippi celebrates a state Arbor Day in February, as it is a better time to plant trees in the local climate. The event in Columbus aims to raise awareness about the benefits of trees and encourage community pride.
The post Columbus Tree Board plants tree at Riverwalk for Arbor Day appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Gun found in backpack of Ridgeland High School student
SUMMARY: A student was found with a gun at Ridgeland High School on April 26, according to officials from the Madison County School District. Other students reported their concerns, leading teachers to intervene quickly. The student was found with a gun in a backpack and both the student and weapon were removed from campus without incident. An investigation is ongoing. The school district emphasized that bringing weapons to school will result in immediate expulsion. Parents and guardians were notified about the incident by the principal. Safety of students and faculty is the top priority for the school district.
The post Gun found in backpack of Ridgeland High School student appeared first on www.wjtv.com
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