Citizen Portal News Mississippi
banner
citizenptnewsms.bsky.social
Citizen Portal News Mississippi
@citizenptnewsms.bsky.social
Jackson State University's interim president is now eligible to compete for the permanent position after the IHL board's groundbreaking decision to waive a key policy!

Click to read more!

#MS #EducationReform #LeadershipDevelopment #CitizenPortal #MississippiUniversities #CivicAccountability
IHL board approves Jackson State presidential search profile and waives rule to allow interim president to apply
The IHL board approved a leadership profile for Jackson State University's presidential search and unanimously voted to waive IHL policy 201.0510 so JSU's interim president may apply and be vetted with other candidates, the board said at a special meeting.
citizenportal.ai
December 23, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Tupelo's City Council just greenlit a five-year tax exemption for a $1 million downtown redevelopment project, investing over $800,000 to breathe new life into the area!

Click to read more!

#TupeloLeeCounty #MS #EconomicDevelopment #TupeloDowntown #UrbanRevitalization #TaxIncentives
Council OKs five‑year tax abatement for downtown redevelopment at 213 West Main
Council approved a five‑year commercial ad valorem tax exemption for 213 West Main Street (formerly the CREATE office), citing $1,000,000 purchase price and $804,363.17 invested in revitalization; the program freezes property taxes at pre‑redevelopment valuation.
citizenportal.ai
December 23, 2025 at 6:48 AM
Tupelo City Council made significant moves by approving contracts for new equipment and altering employee overtime policies while committing funds to support a U.S. Marshals task force.

Get the details!

#TupeloLeeCounty #MS #TupeloCityCouncil #EmployeeWellbeing #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Tupelo council approves contracts, a U.S. Marshals overtime obligation and cuts comp‑time limits for employees
Council approved several procurement awards (air curtain burner to Ingram Equipment for $205,758.80; tree/tree‑stump term contract to low bidder; Pathway Services recommended for pavement condition survey at 91.4% score), obligated $12,000 to a U.S. Marshals task force overtime fund, and adopted employee handbook changes reducing compensatory accrual limits while ensuring overtime pay at time‑and‑a‑half.
citizenportal.ai
December 23, 2025 at 6:47 AM
The mayor announced significant noise reductions from XAI's facility and secured a $3.46 million investment for State Line Road improvements, but residents are still voicing concerns about ongoing disruptions.

Get the details!

#SouthavenDeSotoCounty #MS #InfrastructureImprovement
Mayor says XAI noise mitigation reduced impacts; board approves $3.46M MOU for State Line Road improvements
Mayor reported that XAI implemented temporary generators, a sound wall and equipment adjustments that reduced measured noise (decimal meter reading reported as low as 39.1); the board approved an MOU for XAI to fully fund $3,460,000 in State Line Road widening/resurfacing and scheduled continued public discussion on Jan. 6.
citizenportal.ai
December 21, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Southaven's Board of Aldermen has voted to condemn the long-neglected Highway Baptist Church, sparking emotional pleas from community members to preserve its rich history amid urgent safety concerns.

Read the full story.

#SouthavenDeSotoCounty #MS #CommunityHistory #BuildingRemediation
Southaven moves to condemn long-blighted Highway Baptist Church, tables Checkers property to January 6
After years of enforcement and a 2023 unsafe-building finding, the board voted to proceed with condemnation of 7515 Highway 51 (Highway Baptist Church) under Mississippi Code 21-19-11 and tabled 938 Main Street (former Checkers) to Jan. 6 for interior inspection and a remediation plan.
citizenportal.ai
December 21, 2025 at 2:33 PM
The Jackson Public School District is taking significant steps to enhance student services and safety with new partnerships and contract renewals aimed at creating a better learning environment.

Click to read more!

#MS #SchoolSafety #StudentServices #CitizenPortal #EnergyEfficiency
Jackson Public Schools board approves renewals, new partnerships and energy-financing parameters
The Jackson Public School District board approved a slate of vendor renewals, memoranda of understanding and a sales-parameters resolution to finance energy-efficiency projects; most items passed by unanimous voice vote.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Jackson Public Schools reports a 3.4% decline in enrollment but celebrates significant growth in pre-K and a successful partnership that brought back over 50 students!

Learn more here

#MS #CommunityEngagement #EducationEnrollment #StudentRetention #CitizenPortal #JacksonPublicSchools
Jackson Public Schools reports modest month‑1 enrollment decline, highlights pre‑K gains and shifts to charter schools
Jackson Public Schools reported a 3.4% decrease in month‑1 enrollment for 2025–26 but said pre‑K enrollment rose and the district's total enrollment was reported at about 17,002 students; officials cited charter transfers and a Kaiser K12 partnership that located and recruited returning students.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Jackson Public Schools is embracing innovation with AI tools and new partnerships aimed at boosting student success and learning experiences!

Learn more here

#MS #StudentSuccess #EducationInnovation #CitizenPortal #JacksonPublicSchools
Jackson Public Schools board approves contracts: AI software, outcomes‑based math tutoring and partner MOUs
During a regular meeting the board approved a Snorkel AI software agreement, renewed a University of Mississippi Medical Center partnership, approved an outcomes‑based math tutoring contract and authorized appraisal and other memoranda of understanding and amendments.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Mississippi's DMR director confirms existing commercial leases remain valid while securing $3.7 million for grants and successfully removing 195 derelict vessels!

Click to read more!

#MS #GrantFunding #MarineEnforcement #EnvironmentalSustainability #CitizenPortal #MississippiCommunity
DMR director: leases remain valid, grants moving forward and 195 derelict vessels removed
DMR staff told the commission existing commercial leases in effect before recent legislation will remain valid; staff reported about $3.7 million in funding secured for 2023–24, small awards to fishers, and 225 derelict-vessel cases with 195 removals and 30 pending.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 9:48 AM
A significant step towards protecting our coastlines: the commission has recommended a variance for a living-shoreline project at Keesler Air Force Base to combat erosion!

Learn more here

#MS #MarineResourceManagement #CoastalProtectiveMeasures #MississippiShoreline #EnvironmentalSustainability
Commission recommends variance for Keesler Air Force Base living-shoreline project
The DMR advisory commission recommended approval of a variance allowing installation of a 1.35-mile living shoreline and rock breakwaters along Keesler Air Force Base and the adjacent VA Medical Center shoreline after staff concluded impacts meet regulatory criteria.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 9:46 AM
The Mississippi commission is shaking things up with a massive $878,462.25 signal upgrade contract and a call for local appraisal firms—what does this mean for the future of infrastructure?

Learn more here

#MS #ContractTransparency #MississippiProcurement #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Commission reviews multiple contract actions, appraisal master contract prompts question on local firms
The commission reviewed multiple work assignments and contracts statewide, including a $878,462.25 supplemental agreement with APAC Mississippi for US 49 restorations, an independent cost-estimating contract not to exceed $974,530.04, and indefinite-delivery master contracts; a commissioner queried why North Mississippi appraisal firms had not joined a new appraisal master contract and staff said none had submitted applications.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 8:47 PM
The Mississippi Transportation Commission just greenlit a $6.99 million plan to improve safety with new passing lanes on U.S. 278—could this be a game changer for North Mississippi's roads?

Click to read more!

#MS #MississippiTransportation #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment
Transportation Commission adopts amendment adding US 278 passing lanes in Quitman County
The Mississippi Transportation Commission adopted an amendment to its 2026'2028 three-year plan to add preconstruction and construction funding for passing lanes on US 278 in Quitman County, with a combined cost estimate of $6,990,000 and further reliance on lottery funds if construction costs exceed that estimate.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Marion County School District is gearing up for significant changes as new school choice legislation looms, prompting a need for local policy updates and strategic planning.

Click to read more!

#MS #EducationReform #MississippiSchools #SchoolChoice #TransportationNeed #CitizenPortal
Marion County board readies district policies as state'level school-choice action appears likely
The superintendent told the board that "some form of school choice will pass" the upcoming legislative session and warned local districts will need policies to handle transfers; the report also covered enrollment (about 1,747 funded students), discipline data, nutrition improvements and a near-term need for 3'4 used buses before new buses arrive in 2028.
citizenportal.ai
December 14, 2025 at 12:59 AM
A groundbreaking "adult workforce promise" grant in Mississippi could transform the lives of thousands of adult learners by providing last-dollar tuition support and essential wraparound services.

Click to read more!

#MS #WorkforceDevelopment #AdultEducation #FinancialSupport #CitizenPortal
Proposal for an "adult workforce promise" aims to reconnect thousands of Mississippians to training
Presenters proposed a targeted, last-dollar grant for adult learners enrolled in priority occupations, recommending wraparound supports and small pilot funding ($1M) with full rollout estimates of $8 M'0M annually depending on scale.
citizenportal.ai
December 14, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Mississippi's community colleges are stepping up, asking for $150M in repairs and $28M in salary boosts to empower nearly 89,000 students and fuel the state's workforce engine!

Learn more here

#MS #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicImpact #EducationFunding #MississippiCommunityColleges
Mississippi community colleges ask Legislature for salary boosts, $150M for repairs and $5M for career tech
The Mississippi Community College Board told legislators the system serves 88,685 students and is requesting $28M for salaries, roughly $28.5M for operations, $5M to expand career-technical programs, $150M for repair/renovation and $2M for adult education in FY27.
citizenportal.ai
December 14, 2025 at 12:05 AM
A recent assessment reveals that Mississippi's higher education institutions face a staggering $2.7 billion in capital needs and a $1.6 billion backlog, sparking discussions on urgent strategies for renovation and demolition.

Get the details!

#MS #MississippiHigherEducation #CapitalPlanning
Gordian study finds $2.7B 10-year capital need across IHL campuses; committee hears demolition bill idea
IHL's facilities briefing summarized Gordian's assessment: about $2.7B in 10-year capital needs, $1.6B backlog, a system net asset value of 76%, and a recommended annual investment target near $130M; legislators discussed demolition authority and R&R budgeting.
citizenportal.ai
December 14, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Mississippi faces a staggering student debt crisis with nearly half a million borrowers and a delinquency rate that ranks second in the nation—it's time for a change!

Read the full story

#MS #MississippiEducation #FinancialLiteracy #WorkforceReadiness #StudentDebt #CitizenPortal
Legislators hear calls for postsecondary financial literacy and a state borrower advocate as student debt burdens rise
Presenters urged expanding financial literacy beyond high school, linking timely instruction to career decisions, and creating a state-level borrower advocate; testimony cited Mississippi's high student-debt burden and delinquency rates.
citizenportal.ai
December 14, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Mississippi's college-savings programs have transformed from struggling to thriving, achieving full funding thanks to smart investments and targeted outreach strategies!

Click to read more!

#MS #FinancialLiteracy #CommunityOutreach #EducationFunding #MississippiCollegeSavings #CitizenPortal
State treasurer says college-savings plans recovered to full funding after investment changes
State Treasurer David McRae told the Joint Universities and Colleges Committee the state's prepaid tuition and 529 plans have returned to healthy funding levels following investment-structure changes and intensified outreach; he provided enrollment figures and described modernized payment options.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 5:26 AM
Mississippi's education leaders are pushing for a major shift towards outcomes-based funding to better align higher education with workforce needs and boost student success.

Click to read more!

#MS #OutcomesBasedFunding #MississippiHigherEducation #WorkforceAlignment #CitizenPortal
Committee weighs outcomes-based funding and workforce alignment after multi-agency briefings
Business and workforce leaders urged the committee to prioritize student work outcomes over degree counts; national advisers and Tennessee's commissioner described outcomes-based funding models, trade-offs and data demands; members raised concerns about winners, losers and protecting institutions that serve high-need students.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 5:24 AM
The Public Service Commission has just greenlit Spire Mississippi's supplemental growth rider, paving the way for potential $5 million investments that could boost job creation and industrial development!

Click to read more!

#MS #EconomicDevelopment #RegulatoryAccountability #MississippiUtility
PSC reinstates Spire's supplemental growth rider after staff presentation and questions
Commissioners approved Spire's request to reinstate a supplemental growth rider that allows up to $5 million in investments over three years without project-specific commission approval; Spire representatives answered commissioner questions about likely sites, tap costs and safeguards.
citizenportal.ai
December 11, 2025 at 3:59 AM
The Public Service Commission has just denied the Lake Carolina Homeowners Association's bid to challenge a controversial rate hike, sparking debate over notice and jurisdiction in the process.

Get the details!

#MS #CitizenPortal #UtilityRegulation #PublicNotice #MississippiHomeowners
PSC denies Lake Carolina Homeowners Association's motion to intervene in CMU rate increase dispute
Lake Carolina Homeowners Association sought to set aside Canton Municipal Utilities' rate increase and cancel certificates, arguing defective notice; CMU and staff said actual notice and publication were provided during a suspension period; legal staff recommended denial, and the commission denied the motion to intervene.
citizenportal.ai
December 11, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Great River Operating Company is set to transform the troubled water systems in Jackson County with a new wholesale water agreement that promises cleaner, clearer drinking water!

Click to read more!

#MS #MississippiWaterQuality #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment
PSC approves Great River's wholesale water contract with Jackson County Utility Authority to address water quality issues
Commission staff recommended and commissioners approved Great River Operating Company's petition to buy wholesale water from Jackson County Utility Authority for four systems with long-standing discolored water and iron problems; JCUA will install interconnection infrastructure at no cost to Great River or customers.
citizenportal.ai
December 11, 2025 at 2:41 AM
Mississippi's IHL board is exploring innovative funding models to align state university allocations with workforce needs and educational goals—could this reshape the future of higher education in the state?

Click to read more!

#MS #CitizenPortal #PolicyInnovation #MississippiHigherEducation
IHL trustees hear NCHEMS proposal outlining alternative higher‑education funding models
The IHL board heard a two‑part presentation from NCHEMS that presented four conceptual funding models — base‑plus, per‑FTE, all‑performance, and a hybrid adequacy approach — and outlined trade‑offs, implementation levers and recommended stakeholder engagement across the eight IHL institutions.
citizenportal.ai
November 28, 2025 at 1:25 PM