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