MS HB8

Requires a referendum in Mississippi counties with two or more school districts where at least one has fewer than 1,000 students in average daily attendance to consolidate all districts into a single countywide school district with one board and superintendent.

Referendum held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2012 and annually thereafter for qualifying counties, with consolidation effective July 1 following the election if voters approve.

Prohibits closure of school facilities except for abolished administrative offices, requires continuation of instructional funding at prior levels from local ad valorem taxes, and limits consolidated districts to one superintendent and three assistant superintendents maximum.

Establishes an annual administrative consolidation list by February 1 each year identifying districts with fewer than 1,000 students, with exemptions for districts accredited as Successful, High Performing, or Star districts that fund central office administration from local maintenance levies.

Requires district property transfers to the new countywide district, continued payment of former districts' outstanding debt, and submission of new district boundaries to the U.S. Justice Department for Voting Rights Act compliance.