News Summary
The Mississippi State Board of Education has recommended relocating the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) from MUW to MSU starting in 2026-27, despite public opposition. Most comments favored keeping MSMS at MUW, highlighting concerns about safety and the school’s identity. MSU’s proposal was rated higher, promising enhanced facilities and partnerships, but the decision requires legislative approval.
Jackson, Mississippi – In a unanimous decision on March 20, the Mississippi State Board of Education voted to recommend relocating the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) from the Mississippi University for Women (MUW) to Mississippi State University (MSU) starting with the 2026-27 school year. This decision follows a public comment period in which the majority, 185 out of 213 responses, favored keeping MSMS at MUW. Opponents of the move have raised various concerns, including safety issues, cost implications, and the potential loss of the school’s independent identity.
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) had solicited proposals from both universities in early February, allowing less than three weeks for each to submit their plans. MUW’s proposal included plans for a new $35 million residence hall and expanded academic offerings, while MSU proposed an $85 million project that entails building a dormitory and academic facilities adjacent to a future Starkville High School and sharing some resources with local school district students.
Despite the public opposition, Sid Salter, vice president of strategic communications at MSU, characterized the majority of public comments favoring MUW as part of an organized effort rather than genuinely indicative of overall public sentiment. Additionally, the Board evaluated both proposals based on a set of criteria, resulting in MSU’s proposal receiving a higher score.
Concerns from the public included apprehensions about moving MSMS students to MSU’s larger campus, potential safety issues, and the implications of sharing space and programs with Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District students. Many comments expressed fears of diminishing MSMS’s distinct identity and academic focus.
The timeline for the relocation process has also sparked criticism. Twenty-five respondents urged the Board to reconsider its approach, questioning why only two universities were considered for the move. MUW President Nora Miller has publicly critiqued the Board’s lack of attention to the public comments during their vote, emphasizing the necessity of aligning the relocation with the needs and feedback of the community.
The Board’s rationale for supporting the relocation included aspirations for enhanced enrollment opportunities and improved academic programming for MSMS students. It noted MUW’s historical contributions but aimed to highlight the prospective growth opportunities that MSU offers, including access to extensive STEM research facilities and diverse course options through partnerships with other educational institutions.
The decision, however, requires legislative approval, which has not been addressed in the current session. MUW President Miller has indicated plans to engage key legislators through campus visits to showcase MSMS and its requirements moving forward.
Since its establishment in 1987 at MUW, MSMS has served over 3,000 gifted students, gaining a reputation for its emphasis on academic excellence in science and mathematics. The Board’s recommendation signals an effort to adapt the school to better meet future needs, but the underlying issues and public sentiments surrounding the relocation remain a critical component of the discussion.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Public Input to MDE Heavily Opposed Relocating MSMS
- Wikipedia: Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science
- Clarion Ledger: Board Recommends Move of MSMS
- Google Search: Mississippi Board of Education
- Magnolia Tribune: State Board Recommends MSMS Move
- Google Scholar: Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science
- WTVA: State Board of Education Favors MSU in Relocation of MSMS
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi Education
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The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
