The state department of education is considering taking over Mississippi's second largest school district.
Several hundred people rallied at the Mississippi Department of Education saying they're opposed to a state take over of the Jackson Public School District. More than 27,000 students attend the districts 60 schools. Dorsey Carson's child is in elementary school.
"There is a potential for state take over of a school district in Mississippi, that has the top three elementary schools in the entire state," said Carson.
According to State School Superintendent Carey Wright, an 18-month audit of JPS found violations in 24 of 32 standards such as education services. Among the issues, more than five percent of teachers working outside of their professional field and inaccurate student graduation records. Wright will not comment before a decision is made. In a videotaped statement she explains the Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation meets today.
"At the meeting, the commission will determine whether an extreme emergency exists in JPS that jeopardizes the safety, security or educational interest of the children enrolled in the schools in the district," said Wright.
Our JPS says more than 2,500 people have signed a petition against taking over the Jackson Public School District. Janelle Jefferson supports keeping local control of JPS schools. She's president of the PTA at Davis Magnet School, which is in the top ten in the state.
"We're performing with less resources, you know but our kids are still performing, and these areas that they're saying that this audit came from we've made positive strides in each in one, each area," said Jefferson.
The mayor of Jackson says there are inconsistencies in the audit and 90 percent of the issues have been or are being addressed. State Superintendent Carey Wright said the state board of education meets Thursday to consider the commission's recommendation.
