Members of the Mississippi State Board of Education are not going to take over Jackson Public Schools. The board is also delaying the decision to take over two other rural districts in the state. MPB's Ashley Norwood reports.
Humphreys and Noxubee County School Districts both have 70 percent of their students in F rated schools. The two have been recommended for state takeover into the new Achievement School District. However, the board decided to table their decision until a superintendent of the district is named in February.
Although Jackson Public Schools also qualify for a takeover, with 50 percent of its students in F rated schools, the board decided to reject that option.
Rosemary Aultman is the board chair.
"The governor has developed a plan for JPS. They have not had the time to implement the plan. So since he has chosen to take this action, they need to be given the opportunity to let this play out," said Aultman.
Gov. Phil Bryant in November rejected a state takeover of Jackson schools under a separate legal process.
Robert Luckett is a new member of the Jackson Public School Board. He says the board will submit an action plan to the department of education next month.
"My fellow school board members are dedicated, hard working very smart people who are absolutely committed to getting this right for kids at Jackson Public Schools and we are committed to working together with this Better Together Commission," said Luckett.
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba says in a statement, he is happy with the board's decision not to take over Jackson Public Schools. He says the Better Together Commission will lead efforts in creating a bold new vision for educational transformation in the district.
