Dawn Peterson

The Commission addressed several agenda items, including updates from the Mississippi Department of Education regarding licensure assessments and the establishment of a one-year reinstatement option for expired non-renewable entry-level administrator licenses. The Commission approved the initiation of the administrative procedures act process to revise licensing guidelines for the personal finance and college and career readiness endorsements. Additionally, the Commission received an informational update concerning the program review status of Tougaloo College and approved various routine program modifications for Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and William Carey University.

The Board discussed the FY28 budget request, highlighting fiscal priorities including adolescent literacy initiatives, math programs, reach programs, and statewide assessment support. The discussion covered funding sources for state support funds, such as general aid and vocational education, and the implications of the Mississippi Student Funding Formula (MSFF), specifically concerning the transition of teacher pay raises into the base student cost and the upcoming expiration of the hold harmless provision for certain school districts. The Board explored the challenges districts face regarding student population shifts and the potential need for technical assistance as funding formulas evolve.

The meeting included a recognition ceremony for graduates of the Literacy Coach Academy of Mississippi, which focuses on providing evidence-based literacy training for educators. The State Superintendent provided a report covering several key areas, such as the district consolidation committee hearings, strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism, rural health transformational planning for mental health and physical fitness programs, and initiatives to increase the number of National Board Certified Teachers. Additionally, the Board discussed new approaches for adolescent literacy and math initiatives, including redesigned training for superintendents and building leaders. Finally, the launch of ClassWallet for the efficient management of teacher funds was reviewed.

The commission reviewed and proposed revisions to the Mississippi public school accountability standards for the 2026-27 school year, including specific appendices related to career and technical education, career clusters, and course codes. Discussions also addressed process standard 12 regarding the community engagement council and updates to the commission's meeting dates for the upcoming school year. Additionally, a new commission member was introduced.

The board meeting included a monthly recognition ceremony for the Mississippi Rural Teacher of the Year and the Southeastern Region Supervision and Administration Art Educator of the Year. The Superintendent provided an update on upcoming initiatives, including the Adolescent Literacy Act and math work. Discussion topics also included the distribution of FY27 MSFF allocations to districts, the final year of hold harmless funding, and seeking legislative clarification regarding the special education teacher salary supplement.