MS HB834

Establishes a Commission on Holmes-Durant Consolidated School District Structure with nine members to review current school district structures and make recommendations by March 1, 2015, regarding consolidation methods, capital facility needs, and financing options.

Mandates administrative consolidation of Holmes County School District and Durant Public School District into a single Holmes-Durant Consolidated School District with central office in Lexington, Mississippi, effective July 1, 2016.

Requires Holmes County Board of Supervisors to apportion the consolidated district into five single-member board of education districts aligned with supervisor district lines, with new board members elected in November 2015 for four-year terms.

Transfers all real and personal property from former school districts to the new consolidated district, abolishes former boards following consolidation, and limits new district administrative leadership to one superintendent and one assistant superintendent.

Grants State Board of Education authority to administratively consolidate any district not voluntarily complying with consolidation orders and allows a two-year waiver of accountability and state assessment requirements for the former Durant Public School District student population.