MS HB291

Consolidates all Mississippi public school districts into 82 countywide school districts effective July 1, 2011, abolishing all municipal separate, consolidated, line consolidated, and special municipal school districts.

Establishes elected five-member county boards of education selected by supervisors district, with elections held in November 2011 and every four years thereafter for four-year terms.

Changes county superintendents from elected to appointed positions selected by county boards of education, requiring valid administrator's license and minimum four years of classroom or administrative experience.

Transfers all real and personal property of abolished districts to countywide school districts; requires county boards of supervisors to levy and collect all school district taxes and maintain debt payment obligations for abolished districts.

Prohibits newly elected county boards from changing school attendance zones and requires consolidation orders to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice for preclearance under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.