MEDIA ALERT

Release Date: August 10, 2009

Contact: Pete Smith, Director of Communications, 601-359-1336

Legislative Task Force to hold first meeting on underperforming schools for 2009

WHO: Legislative Task Force, continued by Senate Bill 2288 in the 2009 Regular Legislative Session, established to study underperforming schools and the enhancement of accountability and sanctions imposed on those schools and school districts. The Task Force, originally created by Senate Bill 2405 in the 2008 Regular Legislative Session, must also study consolidation, school board governance and alternative school programs. The Task Force is co-chaired by Senate Education Chairman Videt Carmichael and House Education Chairman Cecil Brown.

WHAT: Hold first meeting, discuss the Children First Act of 2009 and decide on the direction of the Task Force.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 11, 10 a.m. - until

WHERE: Room 216, State Capitol, Jackson