HARRISON: Consultants steer away from Barbour’s bold consolidation plan
JACKSON – Gov. Haley Barbour’s Commission on Mississippi Educational Structure is poised to release its report on the controversial topic of school district consolidation in the coming days.
Last November, as part of his budget proposal, the Republican governor recommended reducing the number of school districts by one-third. He reasoned that by consolidating 152 school districts into 100 the state could save about $65 million during the current dire budget times.
If Barbour’s commission follows the recommendations of its consultants, its report will not be nearly as bold as the governor’s proposal. The consultants, Colorado-based Augenblick, Palaich and Associates – hired on the recommendation of the governor’s office – proposed consolidating 21 school districts, including three agricultural high schools, with other districts.
nems360.com
5/17/10
Magnolia Tribune
