NEWS RELEASE

Release Date: December 1, 2009

Contact: Pete Smith, Director of Communications 601.359.1336

Task Force to study underperforming schools to meet

Jackson, Miss - The Legislative Task Force to study underperforming schools and the enhancement of accountability and sanctions imposed on those schools and districts will hold its fifth meeting of the year on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 216 at the New Capitol building. Senate Bill 2288 allowed the Task Force to be continued for a second year to study the factors that allow "Star Schools" to excel and hold "Failing" schools back.

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.