Oktibbeha County Schools Expect State Control

[bitsontherun Fycp3aAL]

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation says Oktibbeha County Schools face many issues that jeopardize the safety, security, and educational interests of the children. Oktibbeha School Board members met with the Commission in Jacskon today to try and make their case for keeping control of the school district in Okitbbeha County and not with the State.

The Accreditation Commission believes the Oktibbeha County School District is in a state of emergency and should be placed under state conservatorship.  Early last month the Oktibbeha County Schools received a “D” ranking from the Accreditation Commission for failing 29 out of 30 standards. Some  of the violations include incomplete employee contracts and an incomplete list of staff members. The violations have raised major concerns for the Commission regarding student safety as well as academic performance. Superintendent James Covington spoke about today’s meeting.

“We presented our case to the commission of Accreditation as to why we feel that the educational interests of the district will be best left here locally rather than a state takeover. The Commission of Accreditation made its recommendation to the State Board Education and they’re preparing to make a recommendation to the Governor declaring a state of emergency,” says Oktibbeha County Schools Superintendent James Covington.

The Oktibbeha School Board immediately held an open meeting to discuss what they will do next.  The Governor is expected to officially declare a state emergency for Oktibbeha County Schools tomorrow.