NEWS RELEASE

Release Date: January 6, 2010

Contact: Pete Smith, Director of Communications 601.359.1336

Legislative Task Force to hold public hearing

Jackson, Miss -The Legislative Task Force to study underperforming schools and districts, authorized by Senate Bill 2288 during the 2009 regular Legislative Session to study and report on the status of underperforming schools and school districts, and the enhancement of accountability and sanctions imposed on those schools and districts, has scheduled an open forum public hearing to hear comments on these issues. The hearing will take place Monday, January 11, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Room 216 of the State Capitol. The public is encouraged to attend.

Individuals who would like to make remarks are asked to register prior to the hearing, limit/summarize their remarks to five minutes and submit their written statement at the meeting as part a part of the hearing’s record. Written statements can exceed a five-minute presentation. To register as a presenter at the hearing, individuals must respond by 12:00 noon on Friday, January 8, 2010 via email to cblanton@mde.k12.ms.us or write to Caron Blanton, Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205-0771 or call her at 601-359-3519.

Any individual who needs special accommodations to attend the meeting should advise the Department by calling the Office of Legislative Services at 601-359-3519.