Starkville, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Mississippi State University (MSU) has formed a partnership with the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) to construct a new high school on MSU’s campus. The memorandum of understanding was signed by MSU President Mark Keenum and SOCSD Superintendent Tony McGee. The school aims to enhance educational infrastructure, promote STEAM learning, and provide dual enrollment opportunities for high school students looking to earn college credits. Completion is expected by 2027, following a $125 million bond issue for construction funding.
Starkville
Mississippi State University (MSU) has established a partnership with the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) to build a new high school on the university’s campus. The agreement was formalized on Thursday when MSU President Mark Keenum and SOCSD Superintendent Tony McGee signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
The new high school will be located near Partnership Middle School, which was opened in 2020 as part of an ongoing effort to enhance educational infrastructure in the region. Keenum referred to the new school as a significant asset for the community, emphasizing its goal of setting a standard for innovative education and career training. The memorandum of understanding outlines the mutual goals of both institutions, highlighting their commitment to improving educational opportunities for local students.
Additional details about the school’s construction and specific plans are anticipated to be shared in the future. Currently, Starkville High School is located on Yellow Jacket Drive, off Louisville Street. The construction of the new high school continues the collaboration between MSU and SOCSD, which has been in effect since the establishment of the Partnership Middle School.
The primary objective of the new high school is to facilitate a smoother transition for students from high school to higher education. This initiative particularly targets first-generation college students, aiming to improve their accessibility to higher learning. Earlier this year, MSU suggested establishing another educational facility on its campus, thereby expanding the variety of educational options available to the community.
The new high school is designed to promote STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and will provide dual enrollment opportunities for high school students wishing to earn college credits while still in school. To finance the construction of the new facility, a $125 million bond issue was passed in July. However, actual borrowing may be lower to minimize the financial burden on taxpayers.
The architectural design for the new school is being developed by the Biloxi-based MP Design Group, with an estimated design timeline of six to eight months. The construction site is valued between $5 million and $10 million and is strategically located on the north edge of MSU’s campus. Completion of the facility is anticipated by 2027.
Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential addition of a specialty school focused on engineering or cybersecurity to accompany Starkville High School, further enhancing options for local students. Notably, SOCSD has received an A-rating from the Mississippi Department of Education for the second consecutive year, reflecting notable improvements in student performance.
This partnership between MSU and SOCSD is poised to enhance educational experiences and open new career prospects for students in Oktibbeha County, specifically benefiting those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
FAQ
What is the partnership between MSU and SOCSD about?
Mississippi State University partnered with Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District to construct a new high school on MSU’s campus.
Where will the new high school be located?
The new high school will be situated close to Partnership Middle School, which opened in 2020.
What educational opportunities will the new high school provide?
The new high school aims to facilitate a smoother transition for students into higher education, particularly assisting first-generation college students. It will also promote STEAM learning experiences and provide dual enrollment opportunities with Mississippi State for high school students to gain college credits.
What is the timeline for the construction of the new high school?
The construction site is valued between $5 million and $10 million, and completion of the new facility is anticipated by 2027.
How will the school district’s performance be affected by the new facility?
The partnership aims to enhance educational experiences and career prospects for students in Oktibbeha County, particularly those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Key Features of the New High School
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Close to Partnership Middle School on MSU’s campus |
| Focus Areas | STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) |
| Dual Enrollment | Opportunities for students to earn college credits |
| Construction Timeline | Estimated completion by 2027 |
| Funding | $125 million bond issue passed in July |
| Design Firm | MP Design Group based in Biloxi |
| School Site Value | Between $5 million and $10 million |
| School District Rating | A-rating from the Mississippi Department of Education |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Starkville High School Plans Exclude MSMS
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Tennessee Outscores Mississippi State in Overtime Showdown
Additional Resources
- WCBI: Starkville High is Moving to MSU
- StarkvilleSD: New Era as MSU and SOCSD Ink Partnership
- C Dispatch: MSMS No Longer Part of Starkville High School Plan
- WTVA: MSU, Starkville School District Partner for New High School
- Wikipedia: Education in Mississippi
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
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.
