The future location of the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) is up for discussion once more.
On Wednesday, the Mississippi State Board of Education reported that it is seeking stakeholder feedback regarding proposals from Mississippi State University (MSU) to acquire the public residential high school and the Mississippi University for Women (MUW) to retain MSMS.
MSMS was established during the 1987 legislative session for academically gifted high school juniors and seniors. It has been housed at MUW in Columbus since its inception. However, MSMS officials have contemplated the prospect of relocating to Starkville in the past.
In December, the State Board of Education launched an MSMS subcommittee to explore ways to strengthen the school’s operations and ensure the continued growth of the academic institution. MSU and MUW were later asked to submit proposals that would increase enrollment and educational opportunities for MSMS students.
Both institutions of higher learning have since sent their pitches to host the school.
MSU, in collaboration with the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District, is eyeing MSMS to be part of the next phase of expansion. The university currently hosts Partnership Middle School — the nation’s only school in the country that serves all district students in partnership with a college or university. The next step is to move up to the high school ranks.
In addition to the construction of a new campus for Starkville High School, MSU has proposed a residential magnet school focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics — which would be the new MSMS location. The venues would be located on the corner of George Perry Drive and Highway 182
MSU has committed $86 million to the construction of the facilities, including dorm spaces for MSMS students. University officials are also asking the state legislature to chip in a near-matching $85 million for the project. The goal is to have everything up and running at the start of the 2027-28 school year if given the green light by lawmakers.
“This proposed partnership will inspire secondary and undergraduate students to career fields that are in the highest demand and build upon the workforce development efforts of AccelerateMS and the Legislature,” a statement from MSU reads. “This partnership will be a reason for people to move to our state, it will support and boost economic development, be a model for others in the state, and most importantly, create a fantastic learning environment for the state’s best and brightest students.”
MUW, in its efforts to retain the magnet school, is appealing to its longstanding partnership with MSMS as a primary contention for the state to avoid moving forward with a relocation to MSU. In its proposal, the university also vowed to update residential areas in addition to reiterating its dedication to meeting the needs of some of the state’s most gifted students.
Last year, the two dorms housing MSMS students underwent major bathroom renovations. One building has had an interior paint job done, and the other is expected to be painted this summer. As part of MUW’s master plan, which has included feedback from MSMS, two spaces have been identified for new facilities. Per officials, one or both could be residential. Two vacant residential facilities could each undergo an estimated $22 million facelift to shelter MSMS pupils.
“MUW faculty and staff understand the special needs of gifted students and have worked with MSMS to establish a safe, supportive environment that will allow these special students to thrive, both academically and personally,” a portion of MUW’s proposal reads. “Students are never more than five minutes by foot from their classrooms, library, dining hall, health center, and recreation center, and the campus police, in close proximity to residences and classes, know them and watch out for them.”
After reviewing both proposals, officials with the State Board of Education will make a recommendation to the legislature about the future of MSMS. Should lawmakers vote in favor of any changes to the operations and location of MSMS, it is anticipated that any such changes would go into effect starting in the 2026-27 school year.
State education officials have currently established a public comment period on the possible relocation of MSMS and the proposals from both universities. Those interested in voicing their thoughts can submit written comments to chief academic officer Dr. Donna Boone at [email protected] or by mail: Mississippi Department of Education, 359 North West Street, Post Office Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205-0771.
The deadline to receive comments by email or by mail is Tuesday, March 4, at 5 p.m.
