Starkville, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District Board has approved a memorandum of understanding with Mississippi State University to establish a new Starkville High School. This partnership aims to enhance educational experiences and maintain control over the curriculum. The new high school will be located on the north edge of MSU’s campus, adjacent to Partnership Middle School. Additionally, a community forum addressing chronic absenteeism is scheduled for February, highlighting the district’s commitment to improving student attendance.
Starkville—The Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) Board has taken a major step toward the establishment of a new Starkville High School (SHS) by approving a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mississippi State University (MSU). The agreement outlines the mutual goals and responsibilities for the planning, funding, construction, and operation of the new high school, which will be situated on the north edge of MSU’s campus, adjacent to Partnership Middle School.
The MOU, while outlining key points of collaboration, leaves several details regarding MSU’s involvement open for further discussion. SOCSD Superintendent Tony McGee indicated that this agreement marks the initial phase of what is hoped to be a fruitful partnership between the school district and the university.
Clarifying concerns regarding the lease terms of the MSU property, board member Debra Prince raised questions about the potential future use of the land. In response, McGee assured that the specific details concerning the lease agreement will be negotiated by attorneys from both organizations.
Importantly, SOCSD intends to keep both the curriculum and administration of the high school under its control. This means that the day-to-day operations of the new SHS are expected to adhere to the current structure already in place. It is anticipated that the curriculum will mirror that of Partnership Middle School, offering students the chance to engage in programming that fosters connections with MSU.
The overarching goal of this collaboration is to enhance students’ educational experiences and prepare them for future academic opportunities, particularly for those who may consider enrolling at MSU after graduation. Superintendent McGee emphasized the significance of acclimating students to the university environment to facilitate a smoother transition into college life.
Furthermore, the Starkville community is seeing additional improvements in its educational infrastructure with major renovations on athletic facilities that will exceed $5 million. This investment aims to elevate the sports facilities for the upcoming academic year, further benefitting student athletes and the wider community.
In an effort to engage the community on educational issues, SOCSD has scheduled a forum on school attendance and chronic absenteeism for February 6 at Greensboro Auditorium. This event will bring together community leaders, law enforcement, and MSU athletes to discuss the critical importance of consistent school attendance. Through this initiative, the district seeks to address the challenges of chronic absenteeism and foster family engagement, positioning various support resources for improved student attendance.
As details continue to evolve regarding the collaboration between SOCSD and MSU for the new Starkville High School, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential educational advancements this partnership may bring to the community.
Key Features of the New Starkville High School Partnership
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | On the north edge of Mississippi State University campus, sharing property with Partnership Middle School. |
| MOU Approval | Memorandum of Understanding approved by the SOCSD board outlining mutual goals and responsibilities. |
| Operational Control | Day-to-day operations, curriculum, and administration to remain under SOCSD jurisdiction. |
| Community Forum | A forum scheduled for February 6, focused on addressing school attendance and chronic absenteeism. |
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the MOU between SOCSD and MSU?
The MOU outlines shared goals and responsibilities for planning, funding, constructing, and operating the new Starkville High School.
Where will the new Starkville High School be located?
The new SHS will be located on the north edge of Mississippi State University’s campus, sharing property with Partnership Middle School.
Will the new high school have the same curriculum as Partnership Middle School?
Yes, SOCSD aims to maintain a curriculum that is similar to that of Partnership Middle School.
What is being done to address chronic absenteeism in Starkville schools?
The district is hosting a community forum on February 6 to discuss chronic absenteeism and engage families to improve student attendance.
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Additional Resources
- C Dispatch: SOCSD Partners with MSU for New Starkville High
- Clarion Ledger: Starkville High School Athletics Renovations
- SI: Importance of Multi-Sport Athletes at Starkville High
- Starkville School District: Community Forum on Attendance
- Wikipedia: Education in Mississippi
- Google Search: Starkville High School
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.
