School consolidation committee to meet next week

JACKSON — A committee studying public school consolidation meets in Jackson June 28 when it is expected to review a draft report.

Gov. Haley Barbour had asked that the Commission on Mississippi Education Structure finish its work by early April, but said it was more important to develop a good report than to meet a deadline.

Pete Smith, a spokesman for the state Department of Education, tells the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal that whether the panel will vote on the draft report, change it or decide to have more meetings is not clear.

In November, Barbour proposed consolidating the state’s 152 school districts into 100.

A consultant has recommended 21 school districts, including three agriculture high schools, be merged with other systems.