Reverse referendum could become merger funding mechanism
The Commission on Starkville Consolidated School District Structure could ask state representatives to add legislative language to HB 716, the Oktibbeha County school merger bill, which would allow for a reverse bond referendum to fund physical upgrades.
Utility regulators reject Entergy-ITC merger
JACKSON — Mississippi utility regulators on Tuesday unanimously rejected a merger proposal by Entergy Corp. and ITC Holdings Corp., saying the deal could’ve meant a
Gov’t reaches agreement to allow airline merger
DALLAS — American Airlines and US Airways reached a deal with the government that lets the two form the world’s biggest airline and opens up
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.
Entergy and ITC refile merger
JACKSON — Entergy Corp. and ITC Holdings Corp. have refiled their merger application in Texas, indicating the companies believe they can go forward without restructuring
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.
Airline mergers have already led to higher fares
NEW YORK — The government is putting its foot down on rising airfares and fees by blocking the latest airline merger — but for fliers,
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?
Early deadline could push up merger report
Members of the Commission on Starkville Consolidated School District Structure introduced the idea of setting a self-imposed, early merger report deadline which would allow state lawmakers more time to address consolidation issues during the 2014 legislative session.
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.
Judge approves American-US Airways merger
NEW YORK — American Airlines won bankruptcy court approval Wednesday to combine with US Airways and form the world’s biggest airline. “The merger is an
Senators pass Starkville-Oktibbeha merger bill
The Mississippi Senate passed an amended version of the Oktibbeha-Starkville school consolidation bill which now explicitly allows a potential study commission to look into the possibility of merging county schools with other area districts.
The amendment, proposed by Sen. Hob Bryan, D-Amory, was the only change made by legislators.
Former school board leader discusses merger history, alternatives
A former city school board president joined other stakeholder groups calling for the Oktibbeha-Starkville school merger bill’s dismissal.
SSD board encouraged by changes in consolidation bill
The Starkville School District Board of Trustees appointed its officers and discussed changes to the amended school consolidation bill at their Thursday night meeting.
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.
American, US Airways announce $11 billion merger
American Airlines and US Airways have agreed to merge in an $11 billion deal that would create the world’s biggest airline.
Brigham readies to turn focus to MUW
Allegra Brigham isn’t interested in simply holding the door open for Mississippi University for Women’s next president. Nor will she be safely sheltered in her office contentedly crunching numbers while the faculty deals with students.
MUW students, faculty welcome shared degrees with Miss. State
Students in the Culinary Arts Institute at Mississippi University for Women said they were excited about a new partnership with Mississippi State, offering a degree in culinology.
Miss. State, MUW embark on plan to share degrees, services
Don’t call it a merger, but Mississippi University for Women and Mississippi State University will begin sharing a pair of degrees this fall and will explore consolidation of administrative services. Responding to the State College Board’s Thursday order that the schools explore consolidation possibilities, MUW President Dr. Claudia Limbert said she preferred the term “shared services.”