TUNICA, Miss.–When a school district becomes distracted enough that kids’ educations are being seriously hampered, the state can take over. After Wednesday’s accreditation hearings, Gov. Bryant has reaffirmed that a state of emergency exists in the district.
The governor’s declaration is the last step before the state takes over. Now it is likely that the Board of Education will abolish the school board and appoint a conservator to run the district and make improvements.
“My first concern is for the students and parents of the Tunica County School District,” said Bryant. “We will continue to work with the Mississippi Board of Education to make sure a proper education is provided.”
The district had asked for more time to get things together Wednesday, but the hearings brought out several problems that called for immediate action, in the unanimous opinion of the accreditation commission.
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“In accordance with resolutions adopted by the Mississippi Board of Education and the Mississippi Department of Education Commission on School Accreditation, a severe emergency that threatens the safety, security and educational interests of students exists in the Tunica County School District<‘ said a news release from Bryant Thursday.
The district’s superintendent resigned last week.