Merger issues remain as legislative session approaches
As the start of the state’s next legislative session approaches, consolidation committee members say two key November dates will help give clarity to the group’s almost yearlong efforts.
Enrollment reports confirm consolidation needs
The process of logistically joining Oktibbeha County’s two school systems will be a plan driven by raw numbers and dictated by campus capacity constraints and yet-to-be secured funding for potential construction and renovations.
Consolidation committee to meet Thursday
Starkville’s chapter of Parents for Public Schools and the Starkville Foundation for Public Education launched a 10-point pledge Tuesday to improve county-wide education and promote one of the area’s top issues in hopes of re-sparking awareness before Thursday’s first public hearing on consolidation is held.
School board approves 3-mill levy for improvement bond
The Starkville School District Board of Trustees approved a 3-mill levy Tuesday to cover up to $9.95 million in spending power in which at least $2 million worth of no-interest loans will be used for various maintenance and repair projects.
Committee wants input on merger questions
Local representatives say public input is needed before they broach one of the biggest questions surrounding school consolidation: Should the state merge one or a combination of Oktibbeha County’s four campuses with a neighboring county’s public education system?
School board approves improvement bonds
The Starkville School District Board of Trustees Tuesday approved up to $9.95 million in spending power in which at least $2 million in no-interest loans will be used for various maintenance and repair projects.
Consolidation committee taking shape
The Starkville School District Board of Trustees named Superintendent Lewis Holloway, school board member Lee Brand and Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership Director Rex Buffington as its three-person delegation to a soon-to-be-formed Starkville-Oktibbeha consolidation study commission.
McAlpin: DOJ desegregation order still an issue
Starkville School District Board Attorney Dolton McAlpin says Department of Justice approval is needed for future consolidation with the county school district even though legislators OK’d the matter on April 3.
Schools tour helps district leaders gauge progress
Starkville School District officials saw first-hand Tuesday how investments in technology and teachers are paying off in the district.
School consolidation committee taking shape
Three Mississippi House Education Committee members – Rep. Toby Barker, R-Hattiesburg, Gary Chism, R-Columbus, and John L. Moore, R-Brandon – will serve on a conference committee charged with reaching a consensus on a potential Starkville-Oktibbeha school consolidation bill.
Amended merger bill would create consolidation study group
State Rep. Gary Chism, R-Columbus, confirmed the House Education Committee passed a Clay County school merger bill Tuesday with the same language it contained when introduced.
The same cannot be said for what the Senate Education Committee did to the Oktibbeha County school consolidation bill.
Starkville opposition mounts against school consolidation
Three Starkville public school groups co-signed a letter last week opposing a state House bill calling for the consolidation of Starkville School District and Oktibbeha County School District.
Legislative support for school consolidation may be waning
Although House Bill 716 rapidly passed through the State House Education Committee and the full chamber, Mississippi Senators say they will take time to study the bill and address numerous questions surrounding potential school consolidation.
Concerns emerge over impact of consolidation
Committed, caring and community minded — that’s how Starkville School District stakeholders said they want to define the essence of their school system during a strategic planning session Thursday at Hilton Garden Inn.
Questions remain as school merger bill moves forward
The Mississippi House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill Wednesday that calls for the consolidation of the Oktibbeha County School District and Starkville School District.
City, County consider school merger: Holloway says residents should speak out
The Starkville School District Board of Trustees may not be able to take any action in regards to mandatory consolidation bill, but at their Tuesday night meeting, SSD officials and trustees urged stakeholders to voice their concerns to representatives in Jackson.
Oktibbeha Supervisors want more input on merger
Supervisors will present a list of residents’ concerns over a potential school consolidation to state lawmakers today, but the clock is ticking as far as how much input county residents will have in the legislative process.
District consolidation bill passes House Committee with amendments
A proposed bill calling for the mandatory consolidation of school districts in Oktibbeha County and Starkville passed through the Mississippi House Education Committee Thursday, but not without some amendments to the original text.
SSD’s Holloway pushes for amendments to consolidation bill
A proposed House bill that would consolidate the schools in Starkville and Oktibbeha County would not mean a change on the Starkville School District’s board of trustees, Superintendent Dr. Lewis Holloway said.
School officials concerned about mandatory consolidation
Neither the Starkville nor Oktibbeha County school districts will have the final say when it comes to whether or not the two will be consolidated next year. A a new bill filed at the state capital last week makes it mandatory.