MPA/MPS Press Releases

December 4, 2009
For more information contact:

David Bunger, Marketing Director

WLBT 3 On Your Side

Cell - 601-573-6693

Office - 601-960-4420

TV viewers in the Central Mississippi area are about to see some big changes in a landmark local station.
In the coming weeks, WLBT will be moving their primary digital signal from VHF Digital Channel 7 to UHF Digital Channel 30.
The move is intended to expand the coverage of WLBT’s over the air signal as well as lay the foundation for expansion into emerging digital technologies.
“The FCC has approved WLBT moving to a better channel, we are increasing our transmitter power and putting up a higher, more powerful antenna. These upgrades will allow more people to receive WLBT over the air. In addition, moving to the UHF spectrum will give WLBT a digital ready channel for new emerging technologies, specifically mobile television”, according to General Manager, Dan Modisett.”
Construction crews have been working for several weeks on the additions. Tower crews are now working on installing the new antenna.
“Right now, we are hoping to transition in the next few weeks. The crews are working tirelessly, but weather is always a factor” said Modisett.
Once the new signal is being broadcast, viewers who receive WLBT over the air, either through a digital television or a digital converter box, will need to re-scan their channels in order to pick up the new signal.

WLBT will make a formal announcement when the exact change over date is determined.  Stay Tuned.

Mississippi Poultry Association, Inc.
110 Airport Road, Suite C
Pearl, Mississippi  39208
601-932-7560 phone
601-932-7568 fax
E-Mail: mpaoffice@bellsouth.net

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:  Mark Leggett, President
Becky Beard, Administrative Assistant

As Mississippi’s poultry industry has grown into a leading economic engine, a few individuals have been honored for their role in steering the industry to prominence. The latest person to be honored is Van R. Bowman of Carthage who has spent 50 years with several companies.

The Mississippi Poultry Association inducted Bowman into its Mississippi Hall of Fame. The installation ceremony was held recently at the Hill Poultry Science Building at Mississippi State University. Bowman, who retires December 31 from Peco Foods, Inc. also worked for R & R Milling, Arbor Acre Farms, Green Acre Farms, Choctaw Maid Farms and Sanderson Farms in his long and distinguished career that began in 1955 while he was in high school.

In addition to serving individual companies, Bowman served the entire industry through volunteering his time to build the Mississippi Poultry Association for more than 20 years. He served two terms as Chairman of the Board.

In addition to his long list of accomplishments and successes in the Mississippi poultry industry, Bowman has served on the Mississippi Board of Animal Health, as an advisor to the Mississippi State University Department of Poultry Science and mentored many poultry science graduates as he rose through the ranks to become one of the leaders of the industry. Along with his success in the poultry industry Bowman serves as an Elder in the Carthage Presbyterian Church  in his home town of  Carthage.

For further information, contact:
Sheila Green
662.335.9797
E-mail: sgreen@harlowscasino.com
For Immediate Release

GREENVILLE, Mississippi–December 2009–Harlow’s Casino Resort announces the opening of Louie’s Fine Steaks, a new steakhouse that combines the greatest flavors of the grill with the extraordinary soul of the Delta. Working with Craig McIntyre of MMG in Destin, Florida, the real estate conceptual design company that helped build Universal Studios attractions and restaurants like the Margaritaville Café in Orlando and Hard Rock Cafes around the world, Harlow’s introduces an upscale yet relaxed chophouse with an atmosphere so comfortable, you might feel like you’re stepping into your Uncle Louie’s house for a Mississippi family reunion.

“We gave a lot of thought about the kind of dining environment we wanted our guests to experience,” explained Jeff Favre, Harlow’s general manager. “At Louie’s, we’re serving up the best of everything but with some Mississippi flair. Patrons can even sit at the Chef’s table that’s right in the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, where they can get special attention from the Chef.” And Louie’s Chef is Moulay Elabdellaoui, who studied at the Arts and Culinary Institute of Nice, France, the College of Culinary Arts in Casablanca, Morocco and was a Chef to His Royal Highness King Hassan of Rabat, Morocco.

In addition to a world-renowned Chef, a big part of the fun atmosphere that’s found at Louie’s is due to the décor. The restaurant features walls and ceilings decorated with eclectic memorabilia that pays tribute to the Delta’s musical past like a chandelier of coronets, which lights a secluded dining room. A rustic, laid-back mood is carried through this and the other dining rooms and into the old-fashioned bar with traditional wood-grained paneling and the comfy leather seats perfect for a relaxing drink.

The ambiance is but only one reason to visit Louie’s. This steakhouse delivers a menu that you can really sink your teeth into. Louie’s serves thick-cut, Black Angus USDA Prime steaks that are grilled to order. The 28-ounce porterhouse, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, is as big as the plate on which it’s served.

And, in addition to extra-large steaks, the steakhouse sides and fresh desserts are equally gigantic. On top of the amazing menu choices, Louie’s offers the most impressive wine list in the Delta. Plus, every order comes with a heaping helping of Southern hospitality.

Louie’s Fine Steaks is located inside Harlow’s, right off of the casino floor with the front entrance of the restaurant resembling the front porch of a Mississippi home. Louie’s is open for dinner Thursdays through Saturdays.

ABOUT HARLOW’S
Harlow’s Casino Resort & Hotel is Greenville’s newest place to play with more than 33,000 square feet of gaming action, the 2,500-seat Celebrity Arena amphitheater, three restaurants and more than 100 luxurious hotel rooms and suites. Harlow’s is an equal-opportunity employer who actively supports a healthy community through free flu shots, blood drives and by placing hand sanitizers throughout the facilities.
For more information, please visit Harlow’s Web site at www.harlowscasino.com.
Guests must be 21 years or older.

4280 Harlow’s Boulevard
Greenville, Mississippi  38701
662.335.9797 - 866.534.5825
Facsimile 662.335.9766
www.harlowscasino.com

December 11, 2009

On December 3, the Mississippi Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) held a ceremony at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum to celebrate another successful year raising money to cure one the world’s most deadly diseases. The centerpiece of that success was this year’s Walk to Cure Diabetes, where thousands of ordinary Mississippians came to Jackson to participate in one of our state’s largest single-day fundraising events.

I was honored to serve as Corporate Chair of this year’s walk, which was held in Jackson October 24. It was people from all parts of the state who made the difference as we raised money to find a cure for diabetes.

Nearly 24 million Americans suffer from diabetes and Mississippi is particularly hard hit because of our high obesity rate. More important than the numbers, however, is the suffering that a child with diabetes has to endure – the thousands of shots, the constant blood monitoring and the hopelessness that many children experience day in and day out as they deal with a disease they will have for the rest of their life.

JDRF is determined to find a cure. With today’s economy, we were not sure how successful this year’s walk would be but Mississippians showed their giving spirit once again. With contributions large and small, we raised $530,000 and brought 2,000 people together for a day of fun and purpose. We had a great time, but everyone there was committed to one goal – getting rid of this awful disease.

We had great support from the Mississippi business community as well. I want to thank sponsors such as Howard Industries, Entergy Mississippi, Ross & Yerger, Tower Loan – and, of course, Atmos Energy – for contributing time and money to this important cause. Also deserving special thanks are family groups such as the Kyle McCoy family who work so hard to find a cure because they know personally the impact of diabetes.

Whether you joined us for the walk or contributed to the cause, I and everyone at JDRF give you a big “thank you.” If you’re reading this letter and are thinking that you’d like to find out more about next year’s walk, just call JDRF at (601) 981-1184 or visit them online at: www.jdrfmississippi.org.

Sincerely,

David Gates
Chair, 2009 JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes
President, Atmos Energy MS Division

MMNS CONTACT: Dee Gardner; 601-896-3884
deegardner@comcast.net
MMA CONTACT: Jana Brady, 6-1-960-1515
jbrady@msmuseumart.org
DATE: December 8, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Monsters” Invade Jackson, MS this Holiday Season
Two popular museums bring Mississippi’s “monsters” of the deep and Mississippian Jim Henson’s “monsters” to the capital city this month

Jackson, Miss. – Looking for some excitement this holiday season? Then, don’t miss two exhibits certain to entertain your family and holiday guests. The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science hosts “Monsters of the Deep,” now through January 8, 2010 and the Mississippi Museum of Art hosts “Jim Henson’s Fantastic World,” from December 19, 2009 through March 14, 2010 - both exhibits bring fun “monsters” to Jackson and highlight their Mississippi connections.
“Monsters of the Deep” exhibit: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Join us beneath the sea, at Mississippi’s Travel Attraction of the Year, now through January 8, 2010! “Monsters of the Deep” transports visitors into the underwater world of prehistoric creatures and modern-day aquatic giants. Exhibits feature skeletons and realistically fleshed-out models. With their incredible teeth, gaping jaws, and long snake-like necks, the bizarre monsters of the ancient seas were unlike anything known today. In this fascinating prehistoric world, huge carnivorous, marine reptiles filled the oceans alongside sea turtles the size of a car. Although the creatures of the deep have changed over the past 65 million years, we are still fascinated with the modern marvels of present day monsters, such as the elusive Giant Squid and amazing whales.
“The Museum is pleased to present this opportunity to experience the scale of these awesome creatures - some are Mississippi monsters - and learn more about the oceans they inhabit today. Don’t miss the 21 foot, fleshed-out, 40-million-year-old toothed Zygorhiza whale that complements our very own ‘Ziggy’!” explains Libby Hartfield, Museum Director.

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Monsters Invade Jackson, 2

“Jim Henson’s Fantastic World” exhibit: Mississippi Museum of Art
“Jim Henson’s Fantastic World” opens on December 19, 2009 and features 100 original artworks, including drawings, cartoons and storyboards that illustrate Henson’s talent as a storyteller and visionary. Among the variety of exhibition objects are puppets and television and movie props, photographs of Henson and his collaborators at work and original video productions, including excerpts from Henson’s early career and experimental films.
Without “fences” to limit where his imagination could roam, Mississippi-native Jim Henson (1936-1990)—artist, puppeteer, film director and producer—created elaborate imaginary worlds filled with unique characters, objects, environments and even languages and cultures. The early years he spent in the Mississippi Delta offered Henson the creative atmosphere from which many of his world-famous characters sprang. “Jim Henson’s Fantastic World,” a new exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and The Jim Henson Legacy, offers a rare peek into the imagination and creative genius of this multitalented innovator and creator of Kermit the Frog, Big Bird and other beloved characters.
“The Mississippi Museum of Art is always proud to host exhibitions of work by native Mississippians,” states Museum Director Betsy Bradley.
Visitors can learn about the history of puppetry in Mississippi in the Museum’s The Closer Look Gallery, which includes puppets from Mississippi Public Broadcasting and a behind-the-scenes look at the award-winning PBS television series “Between the Lions,” which is filmed in Jackson.
“It’s such a treat to get to know Jim Henson through his doodles and drawings, his puppets and his fantastic performances,” said Karen Falk, curator of the exhibition and archivist at The Jim Henson Company. “I’m delighted to be able to share this inspiring and entertaining experience with people all over the country. Seeing his original work firsthand opens a window into his visual thinking and provides both an appreciation of Jim as an artist and a reason to laugh out loud.”

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Monsters Invade Jackson, 3

LOCATION, HOURS AND ADMISSION:

MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE

The museum is located at 2148 Riverside Drive in Jackson. Call 601.354.7303 or visit www.msnaturalscience.org for more information about this exhibition and other programs offered by the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. The Museum is part of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Museum Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sunday: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Admission: $5 adults; $3 children ages 3-18; $4 senior citizens (60+); free for children 3 and under; free for Museum Members; school teachers with classes: call for group information.

MISSISIPPI MUSEUM OF ART

The museum is located at 380 South Lamar Street in Jackson. Exhibition Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., closed Monday. Admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors (60+), $6 students (6 through college), free for children 5 and under, free for Museum members. Hours and admission may vary during major exhibitions. Please call 601-960-1515 or visit the web at www.msmuseumart.org for more information about this exhibition and other programs offered by the Mississippi Museum of Art.

SPONSOR INFORMATION

“Monsters of the Deep”, organized by PaleoFun, Inc., is sponsored by Gertrude C. Ford Foundation, Dudley Hughes, the Janet and Luther Ott Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson, the Walker Foundation, the Chisholm Foundation, Feild Cooperative Associates, Inc., Sanderson Farms, Inc., Nissan of North America, Regions Bank, Dr. & Mrs. Steve Zachow, Dr. Ollye Shirley, The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation, and other generous supporters.

“Jim Henson’s Fantastic World” is organized by The Jim Henson Legacy and SITES, in cooperation with the Henson Family; The Jim Henson Company; The Muppets Studio, LLC; and Sesame Workshop. The exhibition is made possible by The Biography Channel. Additional support has been provided by The Jane Henson Foundation and Cheryl Henson. Sponsored locally by Donna and Jim Barksdale, the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mississippi Public Broadcasting, Mississippi Development Authority, Sanderson Farms, JBHM Education Group, The Clarion Ledger, and The Community Foundation of Greater Jackson. “Jim Henson’s Fantastic World” opens at the Mississippi Museum of Art on December 19, 2009. It will remain on view through March 14, 2010, and will then continue on a 12-venue national tour through 2011.
###

For Immediate Release

Jackson Notables Herald Arrival of Celebrity Chef Luis Bruno,
New Director of Award-Winning Huntingtons Grille

JACKSON, MS (Dec. 7, 2009) – Huntingtons Grille, adjacent to The Hilton Jackson, MS and long a favorite of state politicians and Jackson notables for Mississippi fine dining at its best, has retained celebrity Chef Luis Bruno to take the award-winning restaurant to a whole new level. Infused with his colorful personality and creativity, Chef Luis’ (pronounced “Loo-ey”) Latin flavors and Caribbean-inspired “Bruno’s Eclectic” cuisine now top the menu of one of Jackson’s most celebrated dining spots.

Chef Luis – former Executive Chef for two Mississippi Governors’ administrations – brings his passion for a wide assortment of food and fun and healthy eating fresh from farm to table to the new Huntingtons Grille. Meanwhile, his arrival as Huntingtons’ Director of Culinary Development has been widely anticipated, especially among his large following of Jackson residents.

“I’ll follow Chef Luis anywhere,” says Jackson’s HRH Jill Conner Browne, THE Sweet Potato Queen® and author of several New York Times® bestselling books. “I first met our most beloved Chef when he had his own restaurant here in Jackson and again during his tenure at the Governor’s Mansion, where the Sweet Potato Queens savored his oh-so-tasty creations.”

Chef Cat Cora, America’s first female Iron Chef and president of Chefs for Humanity, agrees. “Cooking should be exciting, creative and delicious. I work with chefs from around the country and have to say that my colleague, Chef Luis Bruno, does all the right things. His cooking is all about what fine dining should be… and he’s just so much fun!”

Chef Luis’ focus is on a unique culinary experience that includes his special pinch of adventure, where guests can “Sip & Dine” on delectable, nutritious cuisine, accompanied by great service and value. From delicious soups and appetizers, the biggest and most flavorful salads anywhere, and signature entrees and desserts, Huntingtons’ new menu has been tossed up and lovingly inspired by Chef Luis.

Dazzlers include Banana Leaf Wrapped Buttered Snapper with Clams and Saffron Broth, Giant Rotisserie Chicken Cobb Salad with Sashimi Sesame Seared Tuna, Bruno’s Mini Taquitos, and Tembleque Spanish Coconut Pudding. In addition, Huntingtons serves up new citrus fusion specialty drinks such as perfectly blended Lemon-Lime Mojitos, and Mango or Pomegranate Margaritas.

New Wine Nights, Caribbean Cuisine and More
For the coming season, Chef Luis debuts featured and ongoing events, complete with live music and one of the region’s most extensive wine lists:
· Sip & Dine - Three courses perfectly paired with wine selections, $35 person and served on the patio, weather permitting (every night 5 to 10 p.m.).
· Friday Wine Night – Order any bottle of wine and receive an envelope to include 25%, 50%, 75% off or FREE (every Friday 6 to 10 p.m.).
· Chef’s Wine Dinner – Special four-course dinner paired with wine selections, $45 per person (Jan. 28th).
· Caribbean Night – Chef Luis’ four-course Caribbean dinner paired with tropical Bacardi cocktails, live salsa music by Cucho & Los Papis, $65 per person (Jan. 23rd, 6 to 10 p.m.).

The Hilton Jackson also offers its classic “Christmas Dinners to Go.” To order, call 601-957-2800, ext. 7003.

Huntingtons Grille is located 1001 E. County Line, Jackson, MS 39211. Among its numerous awards are the 2009 DiRōNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) for its top quality and distinguished dining, the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and America’s Top Restaurant from Wine Enthusiast magazine. For reservations, call 601-957-1515 or book online at www.opentable.com.

About Chef Luis Bruno
Good health is most important to Chef Luis, whose inspirational story includes maintaining a non-surgical weight loss of 200 pounds through exercise and healthy eating. In 2003, he weighed 400 pounds when health issues and uncontrolled diabetes forced him to close his celebrated restaurant when his doctor gave him just five years to live. One year later and half his size, he had turned his life around and his weight-loss efforts melded perfectly with incumbent Governor Haley Barbour’s dedication to the health of Mississippi’s citizens. Bruno returned as Executive Chef at the Governor’s Mansion, where he remained until his appointment with the Hilton Jackson. For more information, visit www.chefluisbruno.com.

####
Contact:
Janna Hughes
601-573-0221
janna@jannahughesadvertising.com

For Release Contact: Scot Slay December 3, 2009 Office: (601) 944-4175 E-mail: sslay@ecd.org

ECD/HOPE CEO Participates in White House Job Creation Summit Local Entrepreneur to Inform Federal Efforts WASHINGTON, DC

– Bill Bynum, Chief Executive Officer of the Enterprise Corporation of the Delta/Hope Community Credit Union (ECD/HOPE), will participate in the White House Jobs Summit today to identify innovative ways to create jobs in the current economic climate. Bynum will meet with the President and over 130 other large and small business leaders, nonprofit executives and policy experts. “Small businesses require capital to survive, thrive and create jobs” said Bynum. “Today’s discussion must include opportunities for small businesses – especially in distressed communities – to identify the resources, to succeed. When small businesses succeed, America goes to work.” ECD/HOPE’s efforts to assist entrepreneurs, homebuyers and community development have resulted in over $1 billion in financing benefiting more than 70,000 individuals – including nearly 10,000 jobs – in the Delta, Katrina-affected areas and other distressed communities throughout the Mid South since its inception. ECD/HOPE has full-service credit union branches and commercial loan offices in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Other attendees include Eric Schmidt of Google; Randall Stevenson of AT&T; Fred Smith of Fed Ex; Brian Roberts of Comcast; Bob Iger of Disney; Peter Solmssen of Siemens; Stephanie Burns, Dow Corning; Phaedra Alan Blinder and Paul Krugman of Princeton; Joe Stiglitz and Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia; and Bob Greenstein of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. ### About the Enterprise Corporation of the Delta/Hope Community Credit Union ECD/HOPE (Enterprise Corporation of the Delta/Hope Community Credit Union) is a regional financial institution, intermediary and policy center dedicated to strengthening communities, building assets and improving lives in economically distressed areas in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. ECD/HOPE provides affordable financial products and related services; leverages private, public and philanthropic resources; and engages in policy analysis for the purpose of addressing development hurdles facing low-wealth people and communities.

Entergy Mississippi Announces Grand Gulf Upgrade Plans
Investment will produce savings for customers

Jackson, Miss. – To help meet Mississippi’s growing energy needs and stabilize rising electricity costs, Entergy Mississippi, Inc. today announced that the Mississippi Public Service Commission approved plans for a major upgrade to the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson, Mississippi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF46ez1xj2U ).

The project will be one of the largest expansions of a nuclear power plant in U.S. history and will make Grand Gulf the largest single-unit nuclear power plant in the country.

The action is part of Entergy’s overall plan to close a growing gap between the amount of power the company produces and the amount customers use. The Grand Gulf Nuclear Station can produce electricity more cheaply than the company can buy power from the open market.

The upgrade will increase Grand Gulf’s production by more than 13 percent, bringing total output to 1,443 Megawatts. Moreover, Entergy Mississippi customers will benefit from a 53 MW increase; enough to power 53,000 typical Mississippi homes.

“This project will supply customers with additional clean, low-cost, base load electricity,” said Haley Fisackerly, president and chief executive officer for Entergy Mississippi, Inc. “In addition, the Grand Gulf upgrade will provide significant long-term savings to customers, help stabilize electricity bills and serve as a major investment into Mississippi’s economy and energy infrastructure.”

The total cost, estimated at $510 million, will be shared among the joint owners of the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station. Costs to Entergy Mississippi are estimated at $151 million. The company expects the additional production of reliable and low-cost power to greatly offset initial project costs, resulting in little-to-no initial impact on customers’ electricity bills, with savings on bills expected to appear within a couple of years after project implementation.

Grand Gulf is the most affordable source of electricity in Mississippi. It generates power at approximately 0.5 cents per kilowatt hour, saving Entergy Mississippi’s customers between $200,000 and $600,000 every day depending on the price of natural gas. More than half of Entergy Mississippi’s power is produced using natural gas, so this nuclear generator provides much-needed fuel diversity.

The project’s completion is scheduled for 2012. Most of the work will be accomplished during regularly scheduled maintenance outages.

“This is a cost-efficient way of meeting Mississippi’s increasing need for more electricity,” Fisackerly said. “We’ve worked closely with the MPSC to bring the benefits of the Grand Gulf upgrade to our customers.”

Grand Gulf employs 700 hard-working Mississippians, and generates $29.5 million in state and local tax payments each year.

In 2008, the plant prevented the emission of 15,600 tons of sulfur dioxide, 12,800 tons of nitrogen oxides and 7.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide which would have resulted from other power sources. For perspective, the 12,800 tons of nitrogen oxides avoided in Mississippi is the amount that would be released by 670,000 passenger cars. Roughly 1.1 million cars are registered in Mississippi.

“Entergy Mississippi is committed to providing affordable, reliable electricity to our customers, supporting our state’s economic development efforts and preserving the environment,” said Fisackerly. “By taking this action now, we’re helping ensure a bright future for Mississippi.”

Entergy Mississippi, Inc. provides electricity to more than 433,000 customers in 45 counties. It is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, and it is the second-largest nuclear generator in the United States. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.6 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
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Entergy Mississippi’s online address is entergy-mississippi.com .

By Rep. Cecil Brown

Everyone involved in the state budget process agrees we have a serious problem. Tax collections are substantially below expectations and federal stimulus funds that have shored up the budget for the last two years will expire in the next 18 months. The issue is how we deal with the situation.

In accordance with state law, the Governor released this budget proposal on Monday. One of his recommendations is the consolidation of school districts from a current total of 152 to no more than 100 statewide. He plans to appoint a “blue ribbon commission” to devise a plan for selecting which districts will disappear. That plan would be submitted to the State Board of Education which would make the final decision on which districts would be abolished.
On the surface, the plan is attractive. It would seem that consolidation would save money by eliminating duplicate services and promoting efficiency in administration. And that may be the case. But, as always, the issue is much more complicated that it first appears.

Senator Videt Carmichael and I currently chair a joint task force looking at the issue of low performing schools. One of the areas we have examined is the issue of district consolidation. At our last meeting, Gale Gaines of the Southern Regional Education Board, a consortium of 17 states, presented research on consolidation efforts in member states.

Among the conclusion was that historically district consolidations have not saved money for member states. Any “savings” in administrative costs at the district level was absorbed by the districts in other ways - additional teachers, books, computers, etc. In addition, the educational performance levels of larger districts after consolidation was often lower than that of the separate districts. None of that is to say that a reduction in administrative costs would not save money. It would. But history teaches us that the actual savings are always less than those that are projected.

There are other, very practical considerations in planning any consolidation and trying to project “savings” to the state. In Mississippi, school districts are funded by a combination of state and local funds. Local funds are generated by ad valorem taxes. State funds are based on the number of students in the district multiplied by the statewide average cost of an “adequate” education. Any savings resulting from consolidation would be split between local and state funds. However, unless the state changes its funding formula, because the number of students in the combined district would be the same as the number in the separate districts, the combined district would get the same amount of state funds as the separate districts.

In addition, adjacent districts often pay very different levels of ad valorem taxes. Millage rate vary substantially. A consolidated district would inevitably mean property tax increases for some. Likewise, some districts have outstanding bond issued that are being paid with ad valorem taxes dedicated to that purpose. There will inevitably be problems dealing with tax equity in those situations.

There numerous other issues to consider. But none of them is insurmountable. In fact, district consolidation is worthy of careful and thoughtful discussion. But the real issue is not cost savings, as attractive as that might be. The goal in any consolidation effort should be to improve student outcomes – to raise achievement levels, to offer more opportunities for students to succeed. For the reasons outlined above, if consolidation discussions center around cost savings, they are likely to not only fail to save any money, but they are just as likely to fail the very people who should be the ultimate beneficiaries – the boys and girls whose futures depend on receiving a quality education from the schools they attend.

s/Rep. Cecil Brown
cecil@medleybrown.com
601-709-4393 Direct