MS SB2501

Authorizes Coahoma Agricultural High School Board of Trustees to apply to the Mississippi Department of Education to convert the school into an Early College High School serving up to 400 students from Bolivar, Coahoma, Tunica, Tallahatchie, and Quitman counties, effective July 1, 2018, if approved by the State Board of Education.

Upon approval, all real property of Coahoma Agricultural High School transfers to Coahoma Community College District, with personal property (sports equipment, band equipment, etc.) divided by joint order of both boards and approved by the State Board of Education.

Conversion occurs on a phased-in basis beginning with ninth-grade students, with one grade level added annually, while current grades 10-12 students may continue; requires college preparatory curriculum, college courses access, and college readiness counseling.

If the State Board of Education does not approve the conversion, the school closes effective July 1, 2018, with all real and personal property transferring to Coahoma Community College District.

Students enrolled at the school receive diplomas from their home school district upon graduation, plus an optional courtesy diploma from Coahoma Agricultural High School; the State Board of Education shall issue regulations for automatic student transfers from surrounding counties.