Last week the Simpson County Development Foundation hosted a lunch and learn program with the Simpson County School District.
Dr. Toriano Holloway, superintendent of education for Simpson County Public Schools, and Danny Cowart, president of the School Board, met with members of the Simpson County Economic Development Foundation and Simpson County Development District to discuss plans for the county’s public schools.
According to Cowart, one of the most urgent needs for the county is replacement of the middle school building in Mendenhall. The district has been advised by everyone they have consulted that trying to improve the current location is not feasible and spending additional money to do so would be a waste.
Funds have been spent to expand Mendenhall Elementary’s facility to include fifth grade as it is in Magee. An existing building already at the site would have cost more to bring up to standards than building a new one. So construction is now in progress for a new fifth grade facility at the Mendenhall Elementary campus. The board also plans to spend $6 million on campus improvements at Simpson Central. Funding for both projects is coming through federal Covid-19 funds.
Cowart pointed out that Magee High School has lost an extreme amount of gate money for football over the last few years and that was an indicator of a bigger problem. He said that fewer people are supporting Magee’s public schools than they did in the past, and the enrollment figures indicate that clearly. The student population is now down to 3,100 from approximately 4,000 students 10 to 15 years ago.
Cowart said one of the major problems is the learning environment the children are faced with, specifically the school buildings. He cited the example of Magee Elementary, which had a D/F rating until they were moved to a better, safer learning environment in a new school facility. In addition to new administration, Cowart believes the new building facilitated the rise to a “B” rating for the school, which they have maintained. Similar results occurred with investments at Mendenhall Elementary.
Cowart told the gathering that demographics do not play as much a role as people claim. He cited Clinton School District, where he said the population is 65 percent black males yet their schools have a far better rating than Simpson County’s.
The district has now decided that a consolidated high school would be in the best interests of the county’s public school students. Cowart has stated that he is mandated to see that the children get the best education available. He feels that can best be accomplished through a consolidated high school.
It will be located demographically in the center of the population base approximately half way between Magee and Mendenhall on Highway 49. Citing transportation and safety, Cowart said this is the best location but he declined to give a specific location.
He told the gathering that he is restricted from discussing certain information because it was discussed in executive session. That statement is not correct. Neither he nor any other board member is bound to silence regarding discussions in executive session. They may choose not to reveal the discussions. But the only discussion that should have occurred as a reason for executive session is a particular parcel of property. Anything past that, consolidation or whatever, is a violation of executive session discussion.
We find it hard to believe that a consolidation plan exists but has not been discussed by the board. Their attorney knows better than to allow discussion in executive session past the stated reason; overwise, it would make her complicit also. The paper sent a copy of the state code that outlines executive session. Neither Cowart nor the attorney responded.
Cowart said the emphasis of the district will be academics as the first priority followed by the arts and lastly athletics; however, there are plans for a new athletic complex at the new school site.
Plans include continuing to occupy existing facilities where feasible. Currently $6 million is being invested at Simpson Central to improve those facilities and complete other improvements in Mendenhall.
Cowart reviewed physical plant scores for the county. With the exception of Magee and Mendenhall elementaries, the scores average about a 2.0 for physical facilities with Magee Elementary at 3.9 and Mendenhall the same. This is rating on a 1 to 4 scale with 4 being the highest score.
The current funding amount being discussed is $60 to $61 million with $10 million in federal funding. Estimated local funding is $11 to $12 million and bond funding in the amount of approximately $39 million. Funding figures are approximate with no specifics determined.
People had questioned the feasibility of trying to pass a bond issue during the pandemic. But 19 of the state’s school districts have done so, from small Delta counties like Sunflower to larger districts like Hinds and Rankin County as well as affluent counties in the state.
Having come from a large and diverse school system, Tupelo High School, I have a tendency to support consolidation if done correctly.
We have an obligation to provide an adequate education for all of our children. If we do not do so now we will pay for it down the road when they find themselves with little value in the job market. All we ask is that we would go into the idea of a school bond issue with open minds.
What we have done in the past has not worked. It is time to look out for our future and a time for change.
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