Starkville, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Starkville’s educational landscape is evolving as the new Starkville High School project will not include the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. Ongoing discussions foresee a potential specialty school focusing on engineering or cybersecurity on land owned by Mississippi State University. Preliminary design work is underway, and the school is expected to open by 2027, pending funding decisions. Community members have expressed concerns regarding the possible impact on MSMS and its funding amidst these educational changes.
Starkville is set to see significant changes in its educational landscape, as plans for the new Starkville High School (SHS) do not include the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS). Instead, there are discussions in progress for a potential new specialty school to be built on property owned by Mississippi State University (MSU).
District 43 Representative Rob Roberson confirmed the ongoing discussions between MSU and the Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) regarding this specialty school. While the specific focus areas of the new school are still being contemplated, possibilities include engineering and cybersecurity, among other concepts.
Although details are yet to be finalized, the new specialty school might have residential facilities. Roberson emphasized that the talks are in preliminary stages, stating that they are “just floating ideas around.”
Sid Salter, MSU’s vice president of strategic communications, confirmed the exclusion of MSMS from the new SHS construction plan but did not comment further regarding the proposed specialty school.
MSU is set to play a crucial role in this initiative, as it has a wide range of STEM expertise that could provide significant growth opportunities in both existing and emerging technologies. The collaboration between SOCSD and MSU was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed by SOCSD Superintendent Tony McGee and MSU President Mark Keenum. The new high school is planned to be located on the north edge of MSU’s campus, adjacent to Partnership Middle School, on land valued between $5 million and $10 million.
Architecture firm MP Design Group has been engaged to work on preliminary designs for the new SHS. The timeline for these designs is estimated to be six to eight months, with an aim for the school to open by 2027. MSU’s main contribution will be the donation of the property and some unspecified in-kind services to enhance learning opportunities for SHS students.
Funding for the new high school construction is under discussion, with the SOCSD board having authorized borrowing up to $125 million in bonds, which increases their borrowing capacity by approximately $39 million. However, the issuance of these bonds is currently delayed until next year. McGee hopes to borrow less than the total amount authorized to minimize the financial burden on taxpayers.
To support the construction efforts, Roberson has indicated plans to seek legislative funding for the project, although the exact funding amount remains to be determined. There are concerns, particularly from officials like Lowndes County Board of Supervisors President Trip Hairston, about how a new specialty school might impact MSMS and the possibility of diverting funding away from it. MSMS, which has been operational since 1987, has enjoyed success, and stakeholders are wary of any change that could compromise its financial support while pursuing new educational initiatives.
New School Developments Overview
- Exclusion of MSMS: The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science will not be part of the new Starkville High School project.
- Potential Specialty School: A new specialty school focused on engineering or cybersecurity is under discussion.
- Location: The proposed new high school will be situated on MSU property, near Partnership Middle School.
- Funding Plans: SOCSD authorized borrowing up to $125 million in bonds for the new school, but issuance is delayed until next year.
- Design Timeline: Preliminary designs for SHS with the architecture firm MP Design Group are expected to take six to eight months, aiming for a 2027 opening.
- Community Concerns: Officials fear that the new specialty school could impact funding for MSMS.
Key Features Overview Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Current School | Starkville High School |
| Exclusion of MSMS | MSMS is not included in the SHS plans. |
| New Specialty School | Potential school may focus on engineering or cybersecurity. |
| Location | North edge of MSU campus, near Partnership Middle School. |
| Funding Authorization | Authorization to borrow up to $125 million in bonds. |
| Opening Timeline | Proposed opening by 2027. |
