Columbus Leaders Work to Keep Mathematics School in Town

Students and community members rallying for the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science.

News Summary

Local leaders in Columbus, Mississippi, are making efforts to retain the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science at the Mississippi University for Women. Following a recommendation to relocate the school to Mississippi State University, the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors has allocated funds to support advocacy efforts. Community members are urged to voice their opinions as potential relocation decisions loom, highlighting concerns about facilities and the importance of maintaining an intimate learning environment for students.

Columbus Leaders Take Action to Retain Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

Columbus, Mississippi – Local leaders in Columbus are mobilizing to keep the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) on the campus of the Mississippi University for Women (MUW). The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors recently passed a resolution expressing support for MUW in its efforts to retain the school following a recommendation from the Mississippi Department of Education that suggested relocating MSMS to Mississippi State University (MSU).

The board allocated up to $15,000 to assist the MUW Foundation in hiring a public relations firm tasked with advocating for the school’s continued presence in Columbus. This concerted effort comes in response to growing concerns about the potential impact of relocating MSMS to MSU, where it would share facilities with a new high school planned for the Starkville Oktibbeha County School District.

Any relocation decision concerning MSMS must receive approval from the Mississippi Legislature, which emphasizes the need for ongoing public discussion about the funding and support necessary for the school. Local officials are encouraging community members to engage with state lawmakers to voice their opinions on the matter.

Background and Concerns

MSMS has had a home at the MUW campus since it was established in 1987, providing students with unique educational opportunities. However, as discussions about the school’s future intensify, concerns regarding the adequacy of the current facilities at MUW have emerged. Some MSMS students have reported experiencing issues ranging from plumbing failures to accessibility challenges. These concerns have prompted discussions about the potential benefits of relocating to MSU, where advocates argue that larger facilities could better serve students’ needs.

Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin has voiced disappointment over the relocation recommendation, emphasizing the importance of the smaller campus environment at MUW for high school students. Gaskin believes that a more intimate setting fosters better learning conditions. Trip Hairston, President of the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors, has raised concerns that the selection process for MSMS’s relocation may have been biased toward MSU.

Legislative Considerations and Future Prospects

A bill proposing the relocation of MSMS to MSU has been introduced in the legislature, but key lawmakers have signaled that it may not be a priority during the current legislative session. Local leaders emphasize that the legislature’s final decision will take public opinion and input from community members and local officials into account.

As the State Board of Education plans to review growth options for MSMS and explore future facility needs, ongoing discussions are expected to focus on the possibility of investing in new facilities, whether at MUW or MSU. The outcome of these discussions could significantly influence student experiences and educational opportunities at the school.

Conclusion

The conversation surrounding the potential relocation of MSMS underscores the importance of both educational accessibility and community engagement. As local leaders rally to protect the school’s legacy in Columbus, the future of MSMS hangs in the balance, awaiting the legislative decision that will shape its next chapter.