Will We Have Real Consolidation Talks In 2010?

I gave Rep. George Flaggs (D-Vicksburg) a lot of heat for some of his antics during the special session on the budget this summer, but I will now give him credit for starting a discussion the state needs to have- education consolidation.

Speaking at the Mississippi Economic Council’s annual Hobnob, Flaggs said the state can not afford 152 school districts and eight public universities. The funny thing is that most people in the state realize this. I don’t know many people who think the idea of 152 school districts is wise; same with the number of public universities.

The problem with consolidation has been a few powerful voices. As David Hampton noted, we have strong alumni associations coupled with delicate issues like race and region. I have previously talked about the need to consolidate Mississippi University for Women with Mississippi State and Mississippi Valley State University with Delta State. Another possibility would be consolidating MVSU and DSU with Ole Miss.

At the K-12 level, the state can start by limiting the number of districts to one per county (with the possible exception of JPS and Hinds due to size). Does Pontotoc really need a separate city and county school district? That is just one example.

Like I said, you’re going to get near unanimous agreement that consolidation is necessary- but will the legislators take up the issue?

Update: Apparently Pontotoc wasn’t that good of an example. I mean sure they should only have one school district for the county but there not as bad as some. Bolivar County has SIX different school districts including Benoit school district, home to 273 students. Clay County school district, home to 154 students, only goes through sixth grade- yet still needs its own district. More later…