At a recent meeting of the Simpson County School Board, members voted to officially rescind a motion passed by the previous board to build a consolidated high school. The decision passed by a majority vote, with board member Thomas Ray Floyd making the motion and Stacey Herrin seconding it. Board President Ralph Walker and Lillie Hardy voted against the move.
The board’s discussion centered on an ongoing study by the Bailey Construction Group, which is expected to provide critical data on the need for consolidation. Board members debated whether the decision to rescind should wait until the study was complete, especially in light of recent challenges faced by students at Mendenhall Junior High School.
Board member Lillie Hardy raised concerns about the conditions students have faced since being relocated from their original junior high campus. She criticized the use of portable buildings, noting that while they were intended for seventh and eighth graders, they were ultimately reassigned to the high school. As a result, junior high students were moved into the “F” building where they experienced overcrowding.
Hardy clarified that her opposition was not necessarily in favor or against consolidation, but against making major decisions without adequate planning for all students. “I don’t care if we ever get a consolidated high school. I want us to provide the best possible education for our children,” she stated.
Board member Stacey Herrin pointed to financial constraints, saying the district cannot afford the estimated $41 million needed for a new high school. She cited a budget shortfall, ongoing tax issues, and years of underfunding from the state as key concerns.
Board member Terra Mallette supported rescinding the consolidation plan, stating that it aligned with the will of the voters. Voters in Simpson County had previously rejected a bond issue that would have funded the consolidated high school during the 2022 election cycle.
Walker and Hardy argued that the board should wait for the Bailey study to be completed before making a final decision. Still, after extended debate, the board proceeded with the vote to rescind consolidation.
The conversation then shifted back to the condition of Mendenhall Junior High School. Herrin asked if it had been a mistake to move students from the old campus. Walker agreed, saying the transition lacked a solid plan. Discussion revealed that only three buildings at the old campus were in decent shape, according to Floyd, but Superintendent Dr. Paul Lawrence countered that all buildings had serious issues, including wind and water damage and evidence of break-ins by homeless individuals.
The board was reminded that the Bailey Group is conducting its facilities study at no cost, and that findings could inform decisions on possible renovations or construction. Floyd mentioned the district has $5 million available in its 3 Mill Note fund that should earmarked for facility improvements.
Maintenance Director Jerry McGuire emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that continued delays would only increase the cost of repairs. He noted that the Mendenhall campus is already at capacity and the district would likely need to build new facilities to address overcrowding.
Ultimately, the board voted to hold a workshop after July 1 with the Bailey Group to review the study findings and explore future options.
Consolidation has been a hot-button issue in Simpson County since it was first proposed in 2022. Floyd, who campaigned on an anti-consolidation platform, celebrated the board’s decision.
“I am thankful to our Great God for His kind Providence in helping us to rescind the consolidation of Magee and Mendenhall High Schools,” Floyd said in a statement. “The people of Simpson County rejected consolidation by a decisive vote in 2022. Along with the appointment of our new Superintendent of Education, Dr. Robert Sanders, the rescinding of consolidation will help to unify our district. Our historic Magee and Mendenhall High Schools are now free to continue their rich traditions.”
As the district moves forward, attention now turns to the Bailey study and the July workshop that could help shape the future of school facilities in Simpson County.
