[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6071951,"mediaKeyId","3031788-14371689f1bfaf269e040de92a3a088e","parentId",3031788,"title","Superintendent tells districts MDE support continues amid national uncertainty over U.S. Department of Education","audioSeconds",161,"startMs",1064000,"endMs",1225000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3031788-14371689f1bfaf269e040de92a3a088e&start=1064&end=1225","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3031788-14371689f1bfaf269e040de92a3a088e/thumbnail_1064000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6071951/Mississippi/Superintendent-tells-districts-MDE-support-continues-amid-national-uncertainty-over-US-Department-of-Education","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071951-3660cd82ffa4fc0724d2e217a26aeec7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770494366&Signature=lqgw89C7u4sHEuGzLh6CfI6jmHk-2t882yDYPaw1fEGqOXP~L-2Lpi192ayYVvjhKSD3FsCQ~YFo62Z1hLxzwbeKEX9B2uH8A~zC8V1dSIhtI7k2hDUHFWDTJFaa1xbDMD6grBu-Cyrg~eDDUiXRE8vRKxQb2Z6zjgYD-bG4Uex1DUgz9XayaxCZR-cGH5LS4StQEd79Z5gP0Iqm8nOUjX7hJuJzAEFvFe~cicOa4n3HvxSvOhyfPK2JYJPSLRPsgFsMvS5rwe~hX4Z-g00iFot9ApbHjKcqtgjtiu~K615tpKWXH~RWkqNfgIJDV85r4GiY4WKCY8k3emboyCwMfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Missouri Legislature","date","2025-03-20T00:00:00Z","article","Dr. Evans, State Superintendent, told the board that national reports about plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education have caused concern among local districts but that Mississippi's Department of Education will maintain and increase support as needed.

\"I don't have any reason to think that Mississippi's fixing to start losing funding,\" Dr. Evans said, adding that the department has been working with national organizations including CCSSO and ECS to track developments and provide guidance to districts. He urged districts not to \"get in an uproar\" and invited local leaders to call the department for clarification.

In the same report, Dr. Evans reviewed recent stakeholder meetings and partnerships: a Superintendent's Advisory Council meeting, a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann, outreach to deans of colleges of education, participation in workforce and leveling-up conferences, and pilot visits with student groups and early-college programs. He also announced personnel changes: interviews underway for a chief operating officer, and the announced retirement of CAO Dr. Boone. He publicly thanked long-time staffers, including Tamela Matthews, for their service.

Why it matters: Uncertainty at the federal level can prompt questions from local districts about compliance, funding and technical assistance. The superintendent's comments were intended to reassure districts that MDE will continue to offer support and that staff are monitoring national developments.

Dr. Evans asked districts to continue contacting MDE for clarification and emphasized the department's commitment to provide increased technical assistance if federal changes occur.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mississippi Board of Education - March 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Mississippi Department of Education Superintendent addressed reports that the U.S. Department of Education might be dismantled, told districts the department will continue support, and reviewed partnership and staffing updates.","taxTitle","Department of Education, Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Mississippi","taxId",55201,"location","Mississippi","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6071956,"Board approves multi-year contract with East Mississippi Center for Education Development to serve as fiscal agent for CTE and FFA",35,2717000,2752000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3031788-14371689f1bfaf269e040de92a3a088e&start=2717&end=2752","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3031788-14371689f1bfaf269e040de92a3a088e/thumbnail_2717000.jpg","/articles/6071956/Mississippi/Board-approves-multi-year-contract-with-East-Mississippi-Center-for-Education-Development-to-serve-as-fiscal-agent-for-CTE-and-FFA","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071956-10afeddcebc71aef3b49435a6f82c056/orig.mp4?Expires=1770494366&Signature=j4jHesZHiPOQhqJ~oaJilkf5e1eB4hiBIPXdRUOzEy7Px74ft4j32aiNv7Qchs4rVZFGgUB1UERVUb~Z5Vk2gN4ZjTs6wEi6ucOB9Hs2oEeLFjqrq-RMrkV6bo1goDozNdedgQ1aoqtipocX8b-tlOOHS6aXxgncVGHgEd~E0BbyBpuT4fyCMwrFJyQAdhgaN3G1BN8jmhWY8c15M3DUchbt0zJYQad6YmDS4q5P0XJC4bw0c014osnwk9PJtiiPCh1Fk9h5LzPnzWUYuc2th1ThLCTldQISQbwrLcdpvVkkbb7idBkvk4LGk73L66x5MkIEwkPi6cPQ4y85nPNi8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mississippi Board of Education approved a multi-year contract with the East Mississippi Center for Education Development to serve as fiscal agent for the Office of Career and Technical Education, workforce development activities and Future Farmers of America programming.

The item was presented by a department staffer and approved by the board as part of the meeting's action items. The presenter described the contract as a multi-year agreement to provide fiscal and programmatic support for CTE-related functions.

Why it matters: The contract assigns a partner organization to carry out fiscal-agent responsibilities tied to CTE programs and FFA activities; board approval authorizes the department to execute the agreement and proceed with planned workforce-development activities.

The board approved the motion without extended debate.","The board approved a multi-year contract naming East Mississippi Center for Education Development as fiscal/operational agent for the Office of Career and Technical Education, workforce development and FFA.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6071959,"Board approves renewals and start-ups for districts and schools of innovation",617,2079000,2696000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3031788-14371689f1bfaf269e040de92a3a088e&start=2079&end=2696","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3031788-14371689f1bfaf269e040de92a3a088e/thumbnail_2079000.jpg","/articles/6071959/Mississippi/Board-approves-renewals-and-start-ups-for-districts-and-schools-of-innovation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071959-cec6e2c1c12db6c177848ba19739d501/orig.mp4?Expires=1770494366&Signature=KDzDhw-ONXUlix2-HhuwIRUAnsJOB~tMHp4O36bta72ObTk-3D~zf~06Xbx9PEBSkaXnR9d~Ep6EMFXaN91o5-YrQD6iEMCKdZ9tk~OfaA4RByVWaqmyQ0V9394p4XfytzJTs6yhAqrlS1FvjFRhI6ECX14uRiTwyXbh8M8wq0C5SR6-BT3rXSfkgrtnUwuQYKDQ-230k8ZE08lEVGDHfGt4oUsOKQo7GQkwqdlu2wv2KgAekRm0TuoBwzbnmUbbQ5h5qnDUwLc8-53xXtOi3fu2DZwf5rzRIvmvPxZBMFOxcnlxYYCUMbxLBIsbmY9HmYvr6d4JUt8TJbOYcBWJfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mississippi Board of Education approved renewals and new applications for districts and schools of innovation covering six sites and districts across the state.

Board members approved a new application for Meridian High School to become a school of innovation implementing \"wall-to-wall\" career academies (ninth-grade exploratory academy followed by arts, business or health academies). The board also approved new or renewed innovation status for Richland High School (Rankin County), Pontotoc High School, Tupelo School District (renewal), Oxford School District (renewal) and George County High School (renewal).

Why it matters: The school/district of innovation status allows local leaders to seek limited regulatory flexibility under Mississippi code and state board policy to implement schedule changes, career academies, middle-college pathways and other innovations aimed at improving college and career readiness.

Staff described specific measurable goals tied to each application. Meridian aims to raise ACT scores and graduation rates and increase endorsements and WorkKeys performance. Richland plans a \"skinny block\" for remediation and enrichment to increase attendance, CTE certifications and AP participation. Pontotoc proposed a 5-by-5 block to reduce structural barriers and boost MAP, AP/dual-credit participation and English-learner growth. Tupelo's renewal included targets that by 2029 60% of seniors will leave with 12 hours of dual-credit/AP and 70% of ninth-graders will have career interests and work-based learning; Oxford proposed raising assessed-area proficiency by 18% and achieving a 96% graduation rate; George County reported prior gains in WorkKeys performance and CTE graduate percentages.

The board approved the slate in a single motion. Presenters and board members described the program as a vehicle for spreading successful scheduling and career-connection models across the state.","The board approved six school/district innovation renewals and start-ups, including Meridian High School and renewals for Tupelo and Oxford districts. Presenters emphasized measurable goals for ACT, graduation, dual-credit and CTE outcomes.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6071962,"Board recommends Mississippi State as preferred site for Mississippi School for Math and Science, forwards recommendation to legislature",873,5062000,5935000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3031788-14371689f1bfaf269e040de92a3a088e&start=5062&end=5935","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3031788-14371689f1bfaf269e040de92a3a088e/thumbnail_5062000.jpg","/articles/6071962/Mississippi/Board-recommends-Mississippi-State-as-preferred-site-for-Mississippi-School-for-Math-and-Science-forwards-recommendation-to-legislature","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071962-7d7032de368c915c737a8e07955e7700/orig.mp4?Expires=1770494366&Signature=E3Ysh63Rql5DHLQkyY9UcZrtGlecxEeICrrf3eGm9F1-yO8wdRSP2IH3TmZsx1PAtVA-bGI5vFzDTe6rsQ~-jGdTDRFCNuB40f9cEQm4uhvjn8HSHk2mE-lEqIKfkU2ZJDpKSsl58YhYqMFiwuAXgcr3Mvao4E81ZE0SKgxIjJYb-rssJnsnt6VCxUtVWIvwV2Ly8oiqKhw8ZxTD2t7YkSXGGM2DH8oRpvlPbp917ZX0487kdXRIl6We70l7sSXBjaL199LlsbLMM7NgGNRH2gXDhfrFT1HWWQwrTOC25uT0o88JiqT~iMSZk7vMjr2i8Pn1a443PyxDexje3JZnqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mississippi Board of Education voted to accept its subcommittee's recommendation to present Mississippi State University's proposal as the preferred option for the possible relocation of the Mississippi School for Math and Science (MSMS).

The board's discussion centered on scores from the request-for-proposal review and the reality that any relocation would require legislative action and funding. The subcommittee reported that, in its scoring, \"Mississippi State University, out of 400, had 363 points,\" while the Mississippi University for Women proposal scored 304.

Why it matters: MSMS is a residential public program serving academically gifted high-school students; any change in campus or operations would require planning, statutory review and appropriation by the Legislature. Board members repeatedly said funding and statutory authority are external to the board and would determine whether a recommendation could be implemented.

Board and staff said the subcommittee followed MDE procurement processes and scoring rubrics to evaluate proposals. The board heard that Mississippi University for Women has operated MSMS on its current campus since 1987 and that MUW submitted a subsequent, higher-cost proposal that staff said included a request for an increase of over $1 million that the department had not budgeted.

Board members pressed staff about next steps if the Legislature declined funding. Members agreed the board must move the recommendation forward so the Legislature has information to act on, but acknowledged that planning (construction, renovation or transition timelines and student housing conditions) depends on legislative decisions. One board member raised immediate concerns about living-conditions issues in MSMS dorms and said those student-safety and facilities problems would need addressing regardless of the ultimate site decision.

The motion to accept the subcommittee recommendation passed with the board's approval and will be sent to the Legislature for consideration; the board did not appropriate funds as part of the decision.

Board members and staff emphasized the distinction between the board's role (evaluating proposals and making a recommendation) and the Legislature's role (deciding statutory changes and funding). The board's action does not by itself change MSMS's statutory status or funding.

The board indicated it will continue to track facility and student-safety issues at the current campus as those matters are addressed by staff and, if necessary, reported back to the board.","A Board of Education subcommittee rated two proposals for relocating the Mississippi School for Math and Science and the full board voted to accept the subcommittee's recommendation favoring Mississippi State University; the board noted funding and statutory steps remain unresolved.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent tells districts MDE support continues amid national uncertainty over U.S. Department of Education

Board approves multi-year contract with East Mississippi Center for Education Development to serve as fiscal agent for CTE and FFA

Board approves renewals and start-ups for districts and schools of innovation

Board recommends Mississippi State as preferred site for Mississippi School for Math and Science, forwards recommendation to legislature