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 โDistrict of Transformationโ model in 2015, after an audit found โserious deficienciesโ 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.ย
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 โwe are confidentโ 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.
โWe’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,โ Kent said.
The state board approved, and now MDE will seek out board members to serve the school district in an โadvisory capacityโ 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
Sports Zone Saturday: A must-win weekend for Mississippi's college football teams
SUMMARY: College football is back in Mississippi for the 2024 season, with a lineup of exciting games this Saturday. The Sports Zone team will provide special coverage from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on WJTV 12 News. Notable matchups include No. 19 Ole Miss visiting Arkansas at 11:00 a.m. CT on ESPN, while Mississippi State celebrates Homecoming against UMass at 3:15 p.m. CT on the SEC Network. Jackson State hosts UAPB for their Homecoming game at 2:00 p.m. CT on ESPN+, and Alcorn State travels to face Alabama State at 4:00 p.m. CT on ESPN+. Southern Miss has a bye week.
The post Sports Zone Saturday: A must-win weekend for Mississippi's college football teams appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Danver’s celebrates forty seven years of continued success
SUMMARY: Danver’s restaurant in Tupelo, Mississippi, recently celebrated its 47th anniversary, maintaining a loyal customer base since its opening in 1977. General Manager Larry Wade, who started as a cook, emphasized the restaurant’s focus on consistency, quality, and customer service. Despite economic challenges, Danver’s has thrived due to its enduring values and community connections, which patrons appreciate. Regular customers, like Tom Robinson, value the reasonable prices and consistent quality. The restaurant aims to continue this legacy, looking forward to its 50th anniversary in three years as it remains a cherished community staple.
The post Danver’s celebrates forty seven years of continued success appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Creator Studio at MUW expands opportunities for students
SUMMARY: The new Creator Studio at the Mississippi University for Women aims to enhance student creativity by providing a dedicated space for video production, podcasting, and audio work. Located in Fant Memorial Library, the studio offers essential equipment and software, including lighting, microphones, and green screens. Dr. Bary Smith emphasizes that it enables students from various majors to bring their ideas to life without the burden of investing in expensive gear. Students can reserve the studio for projects, fostering valuable skills applicable across industries, particularly in effective communication and branding. Reservations can be made online or through the library.
The post Creator Studio at MUW expands opportunities for students appeared first on www.wcbi.com
-
Kaiser Health News4 days ago
Vance Wrongly Blames Rural Hospital Closures on Immigrants in the Country Illegally
-
SuperTalk FM5 days ago
Tupelo teen Leigh Occhi declared dead after going missing 32 years ago
-
News from the South - Georgia News Feed4 days ago
Co-defendant takes plea deal in YSL RICO trial | FOX 5 News
-
Mississippi News Video4 days ago
Free Clinic of Meridian Celebrates 10 Years
-
Our Mississippi Home6 days ago
Nothing Is More Southern Than Black Eyed Peas
-
News from the South - North Carolina News Feed6 days ago
Wake County father killed in motorcycle crash
-
News from the South - Missouri News Feed6 days ago
Page warns seniors about property tax freeze sign-up events
-
News from the South - Texas News Feed7 days ago
NASA astronaut who was hospitalized after returning from space has been released