Mississippi charter school advocates continue push for approval
Despite support from some people in high places, Mississippi’s charter school advocates likely face a tough sell before making the brand of education they saw last week in Helena, Ark., a reality back home.
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, legislators including state Sen. Chris Massey, R-Hernando and state education Supt. Lynn House of DeSoto County toured a KIPP school in Helena, and Reeves in particular left with high praise and a vision of what such schools could do in certain areas of Mississippi.
But critics, some of the staunchest of whom can be found in DeSoto County and other relatively affluent areas of the state where public schools perform well, say charter school initiatives are too narrowly focused, won’t improve education for all students and will take funding away from public schools. Some also fear that the “choice” proponents say charter schools would provide is actually a code word for resegregating schools in some areas.
Commercial Appeal
12/8/12
