The State Legislature should reject any bill that would move MSMS from its MUW home, entangle it into a new Starkville High School, and transplant it into the midst of MSU’s campus. No one doubts that MSU, Starkville, and Oktibbeha County would benefit from such a plan, but I prefer to ask: What is best for the students of MSMS?
The success of the MSMS formula has been spectacular, consistently producing numerous National Merit finalists and national award winners. Many of these students have since risen to leadership in Mississippi’s industries, tech hubs, medical centers and education systems. Today, several alumni even teach at MSMS themselves. The specialized focus of MSMS’ mission, as originally chosen by the Legislature, is key to such outsized results. Diluting that focus for one county’s benefit was never the Legislature’s intent. This very extraordinary record should be appreciated, and the school itself should be protected. I believe that a separate Board of Trustees for MSMS would safeguard the mission and protect the school from being a political football. MSMS is the only one of its gifted sister schools that has no separate board.
Over the last 37 years, MSMS has achieved such impressive results on a shoestring budget, with far fewer resources than peer schools in neighboring states and woefully inadequate monies for facility maintenance. Despite the lack of funding support from the school’s “district” —the Department of Education and the Legislature— MUW has provided a safe and nurturing environment since the school was founded. No one doubts that MSMS’ facilities need an upgrade; the Legislature need only choose the investment that best safeguards one of the state’s educational jewels.
The disadvantages of MSU’s proposal are readily seen. Who would want their 16-year-old living at the heart of SEC game-day traffic, sandwiched between Highway 182 and the main north entrance of MSU? What of the greater adult challenges posed by MSU’s size and student diversity? Why trade the modern and uncrowded sports facilities at MUW for a small share of MSU’s? Access to labs and professors is desirable, but MSMS already has a strong student research collaboration with MSU. A bus ride from MSMS is no longer than that of many Starkville High students. How much added value does a closer campus really bring? No wonder a recent poll of MSMS students indicated that 93% of them would prefer to remain at MUW rather than attend an amalgamated MSMS/Starkville High at MSU.
The recent article by Jim Davidson pointed out that if a bill similar to the 2024 one passes the State Legislature, Starkville would receive state funds to build their new high school. What a sweet deal for them—and a bitter pill for the county next door! It is so sad to see Starkville and MSU work together to purloin this school, knowing that it would adversely affect MUW, Columbus, and, I firmly believe, MSMS. There is no need to divide the Golden Triangle against itself. Now is the time to rally to the defense of MSMS and MUW. We have been forewarned by the events of 2024. Make your voice heard with our legislators to support our splendid schools.
Betty Bryan
Retired teacher
MSMS parent
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