STATE OF EMERGENCY Declared In MS. School District

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JACKSON, Mississippi — Gov. Phil Bryant today signed a proclamation declaring that a state of emergency exists in the Tunica County School District.

The proclamation recognizes that, in accordance with resolutions adopted by the Mississippi Board of Education and the Mississippi Department of Education Commission on School Accreditation, a severe emergency that threatens the safety, security and educational interests of students exists in the Tunica County School District.

“My first concern is for the students and parents of the Tunica County School District,” Gov. Bryant said. “We will continue to work with the Mississippi Board of Education to make sure a proper education is provided.”

The proclamation places the Tunica County School District under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Board of Education. State law allows the Board of Education to implement corrective actions, including abolishing the district’s existing school board and superintendent.

From the State Board of education on the Tunica County School District:

The Mississippi Board of Education (MBE) determined that an extreme emergency situation exists in the Tunica County School District. Acting on a recommendation from the Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation, the MBE voted unanimously to ask Governor Phil Bryant to declare a state of emergency for the school district.

The Tunica County School District has significant issues that jeopardize the safety, security and educational interests of the children enrolled in its schools. The district is in violation of 25 of the 31 accreditation standards the Mississippi Department of Education reviewed. Accreditation audits found serious deficiencies in special education, federal programs, instructional programs, career technical education, and district governance.

“The Board is very concerned about the safety, security and educational interests of the children in the Tunica County School District. The impact on students’ education left us no choice but to intervene,” said Dr. John R. Kelly, chairman of the Board.

No further details were available.

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