Miss. to consider takeovers of 3 school districts
State officials will consider taking control of the Claiborne County, LeFlore County and Yazoo City school districts on Tuesday.
Action on Claiborne County was expected after state Board of Education members asked the subsidiary Accrediting Commission to consider a takeover last month. Board members had voiced concerns that a proposed withdrawal of accreditation might fail to solve problems with the school board and superintendent.
LeFlore County and Yazoo City were added to the commission’s agenda Thursday. State Department of Education spokeswoman Patrice Guilfoyle declined to comment Friday on the reasons for the proposed actions, but said the two new districts would probably be given time to defend themselves in hearings Tuesday, when the Accrediting Commission meets.
If the commission moves ahead, the State Board of Education is likely to seek emergency declarations at its meeting Friday. If Gov. Phil Bryant approves, officials could quickly appoint conservators, removing current superintendents and school boards.
AP
9/8/13
Magnolia Tribune
