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I want to address some of the rumors that have evolved and been spread since the last School Board Work session that was held on Friday, April 5. Many of these rumors are being perpetuated by people who were NOT in the meeting last Friday. While I will try to explain it all, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask me.
The meeting last Friday concentrated on the upcoming budget for next year, the state of Mendenhall Junior High, future consolidation plans, as well as a few minor issues.
Budget preparation is still in the early stages. We talked about the funding sources from the State of Mississippi and other sources of revenue as well as possible expenses due to PERS.
The future of Mendenhall Junior High was discussed. It was asked that we develop a cost analysis, explain how it would work, and that we hold a town hall meeting before a decision will be made if we will move Mendenhall Junior High to the Mendenhall campus that houses Mendenhall High School and Mendenhall Elementary. The decision will not be made until after the town hall meeting. The District wants to hear from the public and is not trying to fast track anything without the public’s knowledge. The time and place for this town hall meeting will be well advertised if this option is continued to be pursued.
Future consolidation plans were discussed. I want to make this clear. There is NOT a recommendation being brought before the Board this Thursday to consolidate the Middle School and Junior High on one campus and Mendenhall and Magee High School on another campus. Before anything of this magnitude would be considered, there would be multiple studies on a large variety of areas including but not limited to transportation, classrooms, and facilities just to name a few. We would hold multiple town hall meetings over the county to discuss this option if it ever was to be pursued. I will say it again, this is NOT an option at this time.
There are future plans to build a new consolidated high school. These plans are currently being held up in litigation.
There will be a Mendenhall High School and a Magee High School next school year. If anyone tells you differently, they are either not telling you the truth or they are misinformed.
Thank you, and I hope this clears up any confusion.
Dr. Paul Lawrence
Superintendent
Simpson County School District
111 Education Lane
Mendenhall, MS 39114
(601) 847-8000
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Concerning school consolidation, we have already voted on this issue and we voted NOT to consolidate! Why is this still being pursued???
It wasn’t a vote for or against consolidation. It was a vote for how it was going to be funded.
The consolidation of the schools is not the decision of the public, but that of the school board I believe. I hope when it is built a curriculum that includes certifications in plumbing, electrical, small engine repair and CNA is include in the career paths as options for students.