MHSAA Proposal Could Vote Private Schools Out

October 1, 2013

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI/AP) – Leaders of the Mississippi High School Activities Association will vote Thursday on forcing out the association’s 13 private schools.

A high school principal from northeast Mississippi made the proposal, saying private schools have an unfair advantage in recruiting students.

Private school members of the association say they follow its rules, which assign them a 20-mile radius as their home district, and force students from outside that zone to sit out a year.

If approved, the association’s Legislative Council would have to vote again in February for the ban to become final.

The association sponsors 16 sports, plus competitions for debate, music, drama and speech. It includes 265 high schools and about 350 middle schools.

Most private schools in Mississippi are members of the separate Mississippi Association of Independent Schools.

Two schools from the WCBI viewing area, French Camp Academy and Tupelo Christian Prep, would be affected if this proposal passes in February.