March 02, 2018

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If anyone in Jackson knows what is going on with education funding, they’re doing an outstanding job of keeping it secret.

There are just days left in the session and we don’t know how much money our schools will get, or if or when the school-funding formula will be overhauled.

Some believe there will be a special session to deal with the overhaul. We would hope there is a little more clarity about the funding formula before that session is called.

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Eight-year-old Noa Baine and her 11-year-old sister Phoebe stood crammed into a crowd of hundreds at the Capitol in Jackson. They were there, like their parents and hundreds of others, to show support for public education. 

"I believe that all kids should have the ability to learn," said Phoebe. "Some people can't afford private schools because they're too expensive, and all kids should be able to have education." 

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Hundreds of Mississippians are demanding lawmakers fully fund public education.  They rallied at the capitol, saying they want a seat at the table. 

Students, parents and advocates gathered at the Mississippi State Capitol on Thursday, March 16, calling on lawmakers to slow down the process of rewriting Mississippi's education funding formula and hold public hearings with parents, teachers and students before dramatically changing the way schools are funded in the state.

Eighth grade Tupelo Middle School student J.T Grist told a crowd of hundreds Thursday in the Mississippi Capitol he does not think it is fair that students across the state do not have the same opportunities as those afforded to students in his hometown.

Hundreds of students, parents and supporters of public schools in Mississippi crowded the Capitol on Thursday to demand inclusion as the Legislature drafts a new school funding formula.

Public school advocates are telling Mississippi legislators they won't tolerate shortfalls in education funding.

At least 300 gathered for a rally Thursday at the Capitol. With the end of the legislative session approaching, a much-discussed rewrite of the education funding formula is nowhere to be seen. Protesters are demanding that the Legislature allow more public input.

Former Tupelo Mayor Jack Reed says support of public education should be nonpartisan.

A new education budget is expected to be voted on by next month, but the formula is still under wraps.

Communities from across Mississippi say they're growing concerned and they want to be brought in on the conversations.

"Ladies and gentlemen of our legislature, I respectfully say to you, I do not trust you," Leslie Fye, parent, said. 

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The Mississippi State Capitol was packed with people who are concerned about funding for public education.

The rally, called “A Seat at the Table,” was held in the 2nd Floor of the Rotunda Thursday.