A rose to Mississippi School for Math and Science, which continues to be a shining example of what public school education can be even as its continues to drop for lack of funding. MSMS, a state-funded public boarding school for high school juniors and seniors, continues to rank among the nation’s best high schools in a state which ranks last in the nation in education.
Yet even as MSMS students continue to excel, enrollment continues to fall, due to the state’s failure to increase funding for the school since 2010. Founded as part of ground-breaking education legislation in 1987, MSMS has proven since its inception that given the proper support, Mississippi students can compete with students from any part of the country. In the case of MSMS, at least, the old argument “you can’t fix education by throwing money at it,” has been shown to be provable false.
A thorn to Mississippi State University, which compounded an already controversial decision by a too lenient punishment. On Thursday, MSU announced that star Noxubee County football recruit Jeffrey Simmons had been admitted to the university and would be a member of the MSU football team. Simmons’ status has been questioned since a March incident when the player was captured on video pummeling a woman who was on the ground and engaged in a fight with another woman, later identified as Simmons’s sister.
The player faces simple assault and disturbing the peace charges in Macon on June 14. The decision to make good on its scholarship offer was criticized, but that criticism was only exacerbated when the school said Simmons’ would be suspended for his first game.
One-game suspensions are generally not levied for serious offenses. It could then be inferred that MSU regards an act of violence against a woman as a minor offense. That’s absolutely the wrong message to send. A longer suspension seems justified given the offense.
Simmons, just 17, should not be denied the opportunity the scholarship represents, but he should be punished in a manner that suits the offense. MSU failed in that regard.
A rose to Main Street Columbus and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, which will again team up to produce its annual “Sounds of Summer” concert series. The free four-event series kicks off Thursday at the Columbus Riverwalk with Juke Joint Gypsies providing the entertainment.
Sounds of Summer has been recognized as one of the top sumer events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. The series has all of the elements required of great events – a beautiful setting, top-rate entertainment, a relaxed, casual atmosphere and the support of the community.
Sounds of Summer continues to be an event that enriches community life. We urge everyone to turn out Thursday and celebrate summer together.
A rose to the city of Columbus, which announced that demolition on the Gilmer Inn will begin this week. What was once a symbol of commerce has over the years had become a sign of decay. When the city purchased the hotel, along with adjacent properties, in December, it represented a key early step in the city’s plans to redevelop blighted areas of the city.
Although there are no real plans for what will eventually become of the property, the city says it will be a “green space” until that decision is made. We believe that’s the right approach and will only enhance downtown Columbus, which is continues show steady improvement as the city’s showcase area.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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