EDUCATION ARCHIVE Meet our team. Kate Royals twitter email Lead Education Reporter Kate’s Stories Molly Minta twitter email Higher Education Reporter Molly’s Stories VIEW OUR FULL ARCHIVE OF EDUCATION STORIES Auditor’s proposal to defund some college majors catches fire online, but are lawmakers interested? by Molly Minta September 22, 2023September 22, 2023 ‘No one is losing out’ in proposed college financial aid changes, board says by Molly Minta September 20, 2023September 20, 2023 JSU years away from solving housing needs but working on it by Molly Minta September 13, 2023September 13, 2023 What we know about cheating allegations at several Mississippi schools by Julia James September 7, 2023September 11, 2023 How a business consultant with a history of domestic violence allegations took over the Delta State music department by Molly Minta September 6, 2023September 6, 2023 Report: Inflation has negated benefits of historic 2022 teacher pay raise by Julia James September 5, 2023September 5, 2023 New academic freedom policy at Delta State is likely its first, emails show by Molly Minta September 1, 2023September 5, 2023 IHL taskforce to study disability compliance across public university system by Molly Minta August 25, 2023August 25, 2023 In first weeks of availability, parents request nearly 700 vaccine exemptions for kids by Julia James August 24, 2023August 25, 2023 Delta State provost stepping down by Molly Minta August 22, 2023August 22, 2023 Mississippi students reach pre-pandemic levels in state test results by Julia James August 17, 2023August 17, 2023 Only JSU alum on IHL board votes against allowing acting president to apply for permanent role by Molly Minta August 17, 2023August 18, 2023 For many Mississippi students, summer meant one last chance to be promoted to fourth grade by Alivia Welch, The Hechinger Report August 14, 2023August 31, 2023 Delta State president affirms inclusivity but says interim band director who mocked trans people will keep his job, emails show by Molly Minta August 4, 2023August 4, 2023 Gulf Coast school district adopts dress code targeting trans kids by Julia James August 2, 2023August 2, 2023 See how your school district is spending federal COVID funds by Julia James July 31, 2023August 1, 2023 Delta State president gauges band students’ response to interim director’s anti-LGBTQ+ podcast rhetoric by Molly Minta July 28, 2023July 28, 2023 Kindergarten reading scores improve slightly but still fall short of pre-pandemic levels by Julia James July 27, 2023July 31, 2023 ‘If you don’t like it, go somewhere else’: New band director at Delta State mocked trans people, women and other groups on podcast by Molly Minta July 21, 2023July 21, 2023 Nearly 9,500 Mississippians eligible for loan forgiveness under new Biden administration plan by Molly Minta July 19, 2023July 19, 2023 Despite legislative confusion, Department of Education distributes $100 million extra for public schools by Julia James July 7, 2023July 10, 2023 IHL: Alcorn State interim president leaving after two months to focus on family by Molly Minta June 30, 2023June 30, 2023 439,000 Mississippians won’t see student debt relief following U.S. Supreme Court decision by Molly Minta June 30, 2023June 30, 2023 Mississippi public universities to review admissions policies following U.S. Supreme Court ruling by Molly Minta June 30, 2023June 30, 2023 Legislative back and forth creates confusion about the additional $100 million for public schools by Julia James June 27, 2023June 27, 2023 State’s teachers union endorses Brandon Presley in governor’s race by Julia James June 26, 2023June 27, 2023 7 university presidents have left in the last year. Why is turnover so high? by Molly Minta June 23, 2023June 23, 2023 MSMS student wins NPR podcast competition for her reporting on Jackson water crisis by Julia James June 21, 2023September 14, 2023 ‘Something has to change’: How one Smith County mom is fighting for special education services for her son by Julia James June 21, 2023June 20, 2023 Board of Education names Ray Morgigno interim state superintendent by Julia James June 15, 2023June 15, 2023 National report shows Mississippi improved in education, stagnated in other areas of child well-being by Julia James June 14, 2023June 14, 2023 MSU leading archaeological dig at former Lorman plantation by Pam Dankins June 14, 2023June 14, 2023 Charter schools apply to open in Clarksdale and Greenville in 2024 by Julia James June 12, 2023June 12, 2023 ‘Pet-a-puppy’ event, artist lectures, and support for student veterans are all DEI efforts, according to state auditor’s report by Molly Minta June 12, 2023June 12, 2023 Prison education programs are primed to take off in Mississippi. Here’s what one class looks like. by Molly Minta June 9, 2023June 9, 2023 Yet another college president steps down, this time at Tougaloo by Molly Minta June 6, 2023June 6, 2023 Handwritten notes show what IHL trustees thought during JSU listening session by Molly Minta May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 IHL hires national firm for Jackson State president search by Molly Minta May 24, 2023May 24, 2023 Report: Access to special education services for young children is low in Mississippi, racial disparities exist by Julia James May 24, 2023May 25, 2023 Judge denies trans student’s plea to be free to wear dress at graduation by Julia James May 20, 2023May 22, 2023 Report reflects few gains in state pre-K enrollment. Newer state data presents rosier picture. by Julia James May 19, 2023May 19, 2023 ACLU challenges school district’s dress code for trans youth in graduation ceremony by Julia James May 18, 2023May 18, 2023 Third graders score above pre-pandemic levels in state reading test by Julia James May 18, 2023May 18, 2023 Former Alcorn State President Felecia Nave was terminated, IHL minutes show by Molly Minta May 18, 2023May 18, 2023 USM names Lance Nail provost despite concerns on campus by Molly Minta May 16, 2023May 16, 2023 ‘They treated us like criminals’: UMMC lets go of most instructors for Oxford nursing program by Molly Minta May 10, 2023May 10, 2023 In the latest college president turnover, Rust College’s Ivy Taylor is out by Molly Minta May 10, 2023May 10, 2023 AG’s office files appeal in public funds to private schools lawsuit by Julia James May 10, 2023May 10, 2023 MDE is spending millions on virtual tutoring service educators say is useful, though data shows it’s not widely used by Julia James April 28, 2023April 28, 2023 Tuition increases yet again at most public universities by Molly Minta April 21, 2023April 20, 2023 La matrícula aumenta una vez más en la mayoría de las universidades públicas by Molly Minta April 21, 2023April 27, 2023 IHL: Felecia Nave no longer president of Alcorn State by Molly Minta April 20, 2023April 21, 2023 In rare occurrence, IHL did not unanimously vote for new Delta State president by Molly Minta April 20, 2023April 20, 2023 ‘Stop hiring your friends’: JSU community speaks up in listening session for next president by Molly Minta April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 A USM student spoke out about a candidate for provost. Then they got an email from one of the school’s biggest donors. by Molly Minta April 18, 2023April 19, 2023 Rejected State Supt. Robert Taylor says the situation ‘puts a stain on the state’ by Julia James April 18, 2023April 18, 2023 How much are Mississippi universities spending on DEI initiatives? State auditor wants to know by Molly Minta April 11, 2023April 11, 2023 Public schools are getting an additional $100 million this year. Here’s what that means. by Julia James April 10, 2023April 11, 2023 New Delta State president says improving enrollment is ‘job one’ by Molly Minta April 6, 2023April 6, 2023 New lawsuit alleges race-based discrimination by all-white community college board by Molly Minta April 5, 2023April 5, 2023 Bill to revamp financial aid dies in 2023 session by Molly Minta April 3, 2023April 3, 2023 State board names interim superintendent a day after Senate rejection of Robert Taylor by Julia James March 30, 2023March 30, 2023 IHL names Daniel J. Ennis next president of Delta State by Molly Minta March 28, 2023March 28, 2023 In the wake of deadly tornadoes, schools react to power outages and building damage by Julia James March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 Reeves’ nominee to state Education Board rejected by Senate Education panel by Bobby Harrison March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 Bill to arm school employees raises concerns about liability by Julia James March 24, 2023March 23, 2023 Superintendents to Legislature: Please fully fund our schools by Julia James March 23, 2023March 23, 2023 Despite assurances, IHL board does not publicly discuss JSU leadership at its regular meeting by Molly Minta March 23, 2023March 23, 2023 As one Jackson State president resigns, another is still suing the university and IHL by Molly Minta March 17, 2023March 17, 2023 ‘There’s a lot of speculation’: While some in JSU community want more answers after Hudson’s resignation, others say it’s just another chapter closed by Molly Minta March 15, 2023March 16, 2023 Hudson resigns as JSU president, IHL announces by Molly Minta and Debbie Skipper March 14, 2023March 14, 2023 Best-selling authors will speak at the Mississippi Banned Book Festival by Mississippi Today March 13, 2023March 13, 2023 JSU students pleading for fixes to campus water system as officials quietly seek funding by Alivia Welch, Open Campus and Molly Minta March 13, 2023March 13, 2023 Major questions unanswered about JSU president’s leave one week later by Molly Minta March 9, 2023March 9, 2023 Bill to fully fund public education heads to House for consideration. Here’s what the changes would mean. by Julia James March 8, 2023March 8, 2023 Senate, Hosemann want to spend $181 million more to ‘fully fund’ public education in Mississippi by Julia James March 6, 2023March 9, 2023 ‘As long as I’m needed’: JSU acting president has no timetable from IHL for appointment by Molly Minta March 6, 2023March 6, 2023 JSU President Thomas Hudson put on administrative leave with pay; IHL offers no details by Kayleigh Skinner March 2, 2023March 3, 2023 State insurance premium hike blunts teacher pay raise by Julia James February 28, 2023February 28, 2023 Senate leader wants to fully fund public education for just the third time since 2003 by Julia James and Bobby Harrison February 28, 2023February 28, 2023 IHL board voted to renew Hudson’s contract a week before no-confidence vote by Molly Minta February 16, 2023February 16, 2023 U.S. Secretary of Ed visits Jackson schools to discuss pandemic relief funds, teacher shortages by Julia James February 16, 2023February 15, 2023 Big changes could be coming to state financial aid. Who are the winners and losers? by Molly Minta February 13, 2023February 13, 2023 New bill would raise starting salary for teacher’s assistants to $20,000 annually by Julia James February 8, 2023February 7, 2023 Corporal punishment was used in schools 4,300 times last year. Here’s what districts are doing to change that. by Julia James February 7, 2023February 6, 2023 For this Delta State student with autism, ‘there’s always another wall to climb with no ladder’ by Molly Minta January 30, 2023January 30, 2023 ‘The honeymoon period is over’: JSU faculty senate votes no confidence in president, administration by Molly Minta January 27, 2023January 27, 2023 Mississippi charters receive $600k in federal grant funding by Julia James January 24, 2023January 24, 2023 Mientras los legisladores escuchan la propuesta para rediseñar la ayuda financiera, los expertos en políticas educativas dicen que es una ‘mala idea’ by Molly Minta January 24, 2023January 30, 2023 As lawmakers hear proposal to redesign financial aid, education policy experts say it’s a ‘bad idea’ by Molly Minta January 24, 2023January 31, 2023 Dept. of Ed reports nearly 2,600 teacher vacancies, a slight decrease from last year by Julia James January 19, 2023January 20, 2023 Public officials met in ‘confidence’ to overhaul state financial aid. Their proposal could become law. by Molly Minta January 18, 2023January 18, 2023 New USM President Joe Paul discusses welfare scandal, diversifying students and faculty, and falling enrollment by Molly Minta January 12, 2023January 13, 2023 State’s second largest school district goes virtual because of Jackson water pressure woes by Julia James January 4, 2023January 4, 2023 IHL wants a new president at Delta State by summer 2023 by Molly Minta January 4, 2023January 4, 2023 JSU asks students to delay move-in due to city water pressure issues, again by Molly Minta January 3, 2023April 17, 2023 How does IHL’s secret presidential search process compare to other southern states? by Molly Minta December 29, 2022December 28, 2022 State truancy officers face stagnant pay and ‘unmanageable caseloads’ by Anna Wolfe December 27, 2022December 27, 2022 How is Mississippi responding to the threat of school shootings? by Julia James December 26, 2022December 26, 2022 Charts: See Mississippi’s K-12 enrollment trends since the pandemic started by Julia James December 23, 2022December 22, 2022 Load more posts Loading… Something went wrong. 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Auditor’s proposal to defund some college majors catches fire online, but are lawmakers interested? by Molly Minta September 22, 2023September 22, 2023
‘No one is losing out’ in proposed college financial aid changes, board says by Molly Minta September 20, 2023September 20, 2023
JSU years away from solving housing needs but working on it by Molly Minta September 13, 2023September 13, 2023
What we know about cheating allegations at several Mississippi schools by Julia James September 7, 2023September 11, 2023
How a business consultant with a history of domestic violence allegations took over the Delta State music department by Molly Minta September 6, 2023September 6, 2023
Report: Inflation has negated benefits of historic 2022 teacher pay raise by Julia James September 5, 2023September 5, 2023
New academic freedom policy at Delta State is likely its first, emails show by Molly Minta September 1, 2023September 5, 2023
IHL taskforce to study disability compliance across public university system by Molly Minta August 25, 2023August 25, 2023
In first weeks of availability, parents request nearly 700 vaccine exemptions for kids by Julia James August 24, 2023August 25, 2023
Mississippi students reach pre-pandemic levels in state test results by Julia James August 17, 2023August 17, 2023
Only JSU alum on IHL board votes against allowing acting president to apply for permanent role by Molly Minta August 17, 2023August 18, 2023
For many Mississippi students, summer meant one last chance to be promoted to fourth grade by Alivia Welch, The Hechinger Report August 14, 2023August 31, 2023
Delta State president affirms inclusivity but says interim band director who mocked trans people will keep his job, emails show by Molly Minta August 4, 2023August 4, 2023
Gulf Coast school district adopts dress code targeting trans kids by Julia James August 2, 2023August 2, 2023
See how your school district is spending federal COVID funds by Julia James July 31, 2023August 1, 2023
Delta State president gauges band students’ response to interim director’s anti-LGBTQ+ podcast rhetoric by Molly Minta July 28, 2023July 28, 2023
Kindergarten reading scores improve slightly but still fall short of pre-pandemic levels by Julia James July 27, 2023July 31, 2023
‘If you don’t like it, go somewhere else’: New band director at Delta State mocked trans people, women and other groups on podcast by Molly Minta July 21, 2023July 21, 2023
Nearly 9,500 Mississippians eligible for loan forgiveness under new Biden administration plan by Molly Minta July 19, 2023July 19, 2023
Despite legislative confusion, Department of Education distributes $100 million extra for public schools by Julia James July 7, 2023July 10, 2023
IHL: Alcorn State interim president leaving after two months to focus on family by Molly Minta June 30, 2023June 30, 2023
439,000 Mississippians won’t see student debt relief following U.S. Supreme Court decision by Molly Minta June 30, 2023June 30, 2023
Mississippi public universities to review admissions policies following U.S. Supreme Court ruling by Molly Minta June 30, 2023June 30, 2023
Legislative back and forth creates confusion about the additional $100 million for public schools by Julia James June 27, 2023June 27, 2023
State’s teachers union endorses Brandon Presley in governor’s race by Julia James June 26, 2023June 27, 2023
7 university presidents have left in the last year. Why is turnover so high? by Molly Minta June 23, 2023June 23, 2023
MSMS student wins NPR podcast competition for her reporting on Jackson water crisis by Julia James June 21, 2023September 14, 2023
‘Something has to change’: How one Smith County mom is fighting for special education services for her son by Julia James June 21, 2023June 20, 2023
Board of Education names Ray Morgigno interim state superintendent by Julia James June 15, 2023June 15, 2023
National report shows Mississippi improved in education, stagnated in other areas of child well-being by Julia James June 14, 2023June 14, 2023
Charter schools apply to open in Clarksdale and Greenville in 2024 by Julia James June 12, 2023June 12, 2023
‘Pet-a-puppy’ event, artist lectures, and support for student veterans are all DEI efforts, according to state auditor’s report by Molly Minta June 12, 2023June 12, 2023
Prison education programs are primed to take off in Mississippi. Here’s what one class looks like. by Molly Minta June 9, 2023June 9, 2023
Yet another college president steps down, this time at Tougaloo by Molly Minta June 6, 2023June 6, 2023
Handwritten notes show what IHL trustees thought during JSU listening session by Molly Minta May 31, 2023May 31, 2023
Report: Access to special education services for young children is low in Mississippi, racial disparities exist by Julia James May 24, 2023May 25, 2023
Judge denies trans student’s plea to be free to wear dress at graduation by Julia James May 20, 2023May 22, 2023
Report reflects few gains in state pre-K enrollment. Newer state data presents rosier picture. by Julia James May 19, 2023May 19, 2023
ACLU challenges school district’s dress code for trans youth in graduation ceremony by Julia James May 18, 2023May 18, 2023
Third graders score above pre-pandemic levels in state reading test by Julia James May 18, 2023May 18, 2023
Former Alcorn State President Felecia Nave was terminated, IHL minutes show by Molly Minta May 18, 2023May 18, 2023
‘They treated us like criminals’: UMMC lets go of most instructors for Oxford nursing program by Molly Minta May 10, 2023May 10, 2023
In the latest college president turnover, Rust College’s Ivy Taylor is out by Molly Minta May 10, 2023May 10, 2023
AG’s office files appeal in public funds to private schools lawsuit by Julia James May 10, 2023May 10, 2023
MDE is spending millions on virtual tutoring service educators say is useful, though data shows it’s not widely used by Julia James April 28, 2023April 28, 2023
La matrícula aumenta una vez más en la mayoría de las universidades públicas by Molly Minta April 21, 2023April 27, 2023
In rare occurrence, IHL did not unanimously vote for new Delta State president by Molly Minta April 20, 2023April 20, 2023
‘Stop hiring your friends’: JSU community speaks up in listening session for next president by Molly Minta April 19, 2023April 19, 2023
A USM student spoke out about a candidate for provost. Then they got an email from one of the school’s biggest donors. by Molly Minta April 18, 2023April 19, 2023
Rejected State Supt. Robert Taylor says the situation ‘puts a stain on the state’ by Julia James April 18, 2023April 18, 2023
How much are Mississippi universities spending on DEI initiatives? State auditor wants to know by Molly Minta April 11, 2023April 11, 2023
Public schools are getting an additional $100 million this year. Here’s what that means. by Julia James April 10, 2023April 11, 2023
New Delta State president says improving enrollment is ‘job one’ by Molly Minta April 6, 2023April 6, 2023
New lawsuit alleges race-based discrimination by all-white community college board by Molly Minta April 5, 2023April 5, 2023
State board names interim superintendent a day after Senate rejection of Robert Taylor by Julia James March 30, 2023March 30, 2023
In the wake of deadly tornadoes, schools react to power outages and building damage by Julia James March 27, 2023March 27, 2023
Reeves’ nominee to state Education Board rejected by Senate Education panel by Bobby Harrison March 27, 2023March 27, 2023
Bill to arm school employees raises concerns about liability by Julia James March 24, 2023March 23, 2023
Superintendents to Legislature: Please fully fund our schools by Julia James March 23, 2023March 23, 2023
Despite assurances, IHL board does not publicly discuss JSU leadership at its regular meeting by Molly Minta March 23, 2023March 23, 2023
As one Jackson State president resigns, another is still suing the university and IHL by Molly Minta March 17, 2023March 17, 2023
‘There’s a lot of speculation’: While some in JSU community want more answers after Hudson’s resignation, others say it’s just another chapter closed by Molly Minta March 15, 2023March 16, 2023
Hudson resigns as JSU president, IHL announces by Molly Minta and Debbie Skipper March 14, 2023March 14, 2023
Best-selling authors will speak at the Mississippi Banned Book Festival by Mississippi Today March 13, 2023March 13, 2023
JSU students pleading for fixes to campus water system as officials quietly seek funding by Alivia Welch, Open Campus and Molly Minta March 13, 2023March 13, 2023
Major questions unanswered about JSU president’s leave one week later by Molly Minta March 9, 2023March 9, 2023
Bill to fully fund public education heads to House for consideration. Here’s what the changes would mean. by Julia James March 8, 2023March 8, 2023
Senate, Hosemann want to spend $181 million more to ‘fully fund’ public education in Mississippi by Julia James March 6, 2023March 9, 2023
‘As long as I’m needed’: JSU acting president has no timetable from IHL for appointment by Molly Minta March 6, 2023March 6, 2023
JSU President Thomas Hudson put on administrative leave with pay; IHL offers no details by Kayleigh Skinner March 2, 2023March 3, 2023
State insurance premium hike blunts teacher pay raise by Julia James February 28, 2023February 28, 2023
Senate leader wants to fully fund public education for just the third time since 2003 by Julia James and Bobby Harrison February 28, 2023February 28, 2023
IHL board voted to renew Hudson’s contract a week before no-confidence vote by Molly Minta February 16, 2023February 16, 2023
U.S. Secretary of Ed visits Jackson schools to discuss pandemic relief funds, teacher shortages by Julia James February 16, 2023February 15, 2023
Big changes could be coming to state financial aid. Who are the winners and losers? by Molly Minta February 13, 2023February 13, 2023
New bill would raise starting salary for teacher’s assistants to $20,000 annually by Julia James February 8, 2023February 7, 2023
Corporal punishment was used in schools 4,300 times last year. Here’s what districts are doing to change that. by Julia James February 7, 2023February 6, 2023
For this Delta State student with autism, ‘there’s always another wall to climb with no ladder’ by Molly Minta January 30, 2023January 30, 2023
‘The honeymoon period is over’: JSU faculty senate votes no confidence in president, administration by Molly Minta January 27, 2023January 27, 2023
Mississippi charters receive $600k in federal grant funding by Julia James January 24, 2023January 24, 2023
Mientras los legisladores escuchan la propuesta para rediseñar la ayuda financiera, los expertos en políticas educativas dicen que es una ‘mala idea’ by Molly Minta January 24, 2023January 30, 2023
As lawmakers hear proposal to redesign financial aid, education policy experts say it’s a ‘bad idea’ by Molly Minta January 24, 2023January 31, 2023
Dept. of Ed reports nearly 2,600 teacher vacancies, a slight decrease from last year by Julia James January 19, 2023January 20, 2023
Public officials met in ‘confidence’ to overhaul state financial aid. Their proposal could become law. by Molly Minta January 18, 2023January 18, 2023
New USM President Joe Paul discusses welfare scandal, diversifying students and faculty, and falling enrollment by Molly Minta January 12, 2023January 13, 2023
State’s second largest school district goes virtual because of Jackson water pressure woes by Julia James January 4, 2023January 4, 2023
IHL wants a new president at Delta State by summer 2023 by Molly Minta January 4, 2023January 4, 2023
JSU asks students to delay move-in due to city water pressure issues, again by Molly Minta January 3, 2023April 17, 2023
How does IHL’s secret presidential search process compare to other southern states? by Molly Minta December 29, 2022December 28, 2022
State truancy officers face stagnant pay and ‘unmanageable caseloads’ by Anna Wolfe December 27, 2022December 27, 2022
How is Mississippi responding to the threat of school shootings? by Julia James December 26, 2022December 26, 2022
Charts: See Mississippi’s K-12 enrollment trends since the pandemic started by Julia James December 23, 2022December 22, 2022