Education

Education Agency Denies Auditor's Claim of Breaking Bid Laws

Mississippi's state auditor says he continues investigating contracts by the state Department of Education.

State Board Chairwoman: What Constitutes a State of Emergency in a School District?

Members of the Mississippi State Board of Education have received numerous questions about the Board’s determination on Sept. 14 that a state of emergency exists in the Jackson Public School District.

How the JPS Takeover Affects Students

JPS has been under scrutiny for 18 months, and I would not claim that the district does not need major improvements. But is JPS in such bad shape that the state should take control and shut out the people of Jackson from the process of improvement?

Takeover or Not: Jackson Schools in Limbo

The afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 14, seemed to creep by slowly as Mississippi Board of Education members deliberated the future of Jackson Public Schools behind closed doors.

Yep, JPS Takeover Is a Conspiracy. Prove Me Wrong.

The predictability of all this takeover hoohaa isn't lost on anyone who comprehends Mississippi's history of racial dynamics, white flight and victim-blaming.

Watchdog Agency Questions Mississippi Education Contracts

A state government watchdog agency is criticizing the Mississippi Department of Education for issuing contracts without taking bids, even though the contractors were paid more than the amounts that trigger bid requirements.

More Mississippi Students Pass Advanced Placement Exams

The number of Mississippi public school students taking and passing Advanced Placement exams both rose in 2016-17.

Charter School Decision Over Diversion of Public Funds Should Drop Soon

Parents with children in Jackson Public Schools are waiting for Hinds County Chancery Court Judge J. Dewayne Thomas to decide if the state's charter-school law violates the Mississippi Constitution, which may happen any day now.

'Our JPS' Coalition Activates Against State Takeover

The pending takeover of Jackson Public Schools drew dozens of citizens to Friday Forum at the former Koinonia Coffeehouse this morning to learn about what it means for capital-city families.

MSU Drone Research, Millsaps Renovations and UMMC/MSU Child Health Project

This week, the Department of Homeland Security began operations with Mississippi State University and other locations throughout Mississippi as a research and development test site for drones, or unmanned small aircraft.

Jackson’s Confederate-Named Schools May Change After JPS Board Vote

With the potential for a state takeover of the Jackson Public School District looming, its board of trustees voted to allow the local PTAs to rename three elementary schools in the district named for Confederate generals and leaders at its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night.

Gov. Bryant on JPS Takeover: 'Not Going to Rush Judgment'

After meeting with Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba this morning, Gov. Phil Bryant said today that he does not plan to "rush judgment" on the Mississippi Board of Education's proposal to take over Jackson Public Schools, which awaits his signature.

Editorial: A State Takeover is Not the Solution for JPS

The looming state takeover of Jackson Public Schools is full of myriad problems, from the State' of Mississippi's less-than-stellar track record of previous takeovers to a lack of transparency and collaboration on the part of Mississippi Department of Education officials.

Next Steps for JPS Takeover: Governor in No 'Rush'

Jackson Public Schools started the week of Sept. 11 facing a possible takeover and ended with its fate in Gov. Phil Bryant's hands.

Mississippi Awards First Diploma in Degree-Completion Push

A Grenada woman is the first person to earn a degree under a new Mississippi program aimed at helping people finish college.

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