Jackson Schools Get Shot to Fix Problems, but Takeover Looms | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Jackson Schools Get Shot to Fix Problems, but Takeover Looms

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The state Board of Education is giving the Jackson school district a chance to fix accreditation problems, but Mississippi's second-largest school district may have only a short window to avoid a state takeover.

The board voted 4-1 Thursday to approve a corrective plan submitted by the 27,000-student district after Jackson was placed on probation earlier this year.

But state accrediting chief Paula Vanderford tells the board that state employees still find alarming conditions at schools, and says she could recommend a state takeover before the plan's end date. Any takeover must be approved by Gov. Phil Bryant.

State Superintendent Carey Wright says she plans to address a Jackson school board meeting Tuesday.

Interim Jackson Superintendent Freddrick Murray says he's trying to instill the sense of urgency sought by state officials.

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