Mississippi Board of Education invests in early childhood and literacy programs with grants
The Mississippi State Board of Education approved funding for several initiatives aimed at improving education in the state. Among these, $3.5 million in grants will expand early childhood literacy programs, including the Early Childhood Learning Collaborative established in 2013.
The board is hiring eight early childhood coaches through the Educator in Residence program. These coaches will support the implementation of early learning strategies, model lesson plans, and train teachers, according to Chief Academic Officer Wendy Clemons.
In addition, the board approved eight more coaches to support an adolescent literacy program under House Bill 2294. These coaches will serve as trainers and mentors for literacy efforts among teenagers. Both programs will undergo annual performance reviews, Clemons said.
Lawmakers also passed House Bill 4073 during the 2026 legislative session, allowing retired teachers to return to work while still receiving retirement benefits. The board approved a template to assist districts in negotiating these reemployment arrangements, aiming to prevent issues with audits and compliance, said State Superintendent Dr. Lance Evans.
Retired teachers who qualify are being notified through the state retirement system about this opportunity. Separately, $50,000 was allocated to the Mississippi School Boards Association for training new local board members, who will participate in a 12-hour course developed by the MSBA.
Chief Accountability Officer Dr. Paula Vanderford noted that while the training is current, implementation of learned skills remains a challenge at the local level. She emphasized that failure by school board members to meet responsibilities can lead to state takeover of districts, which currently affects six schools.
During the meeting, the board also discussed hiring Walter Atkins as interim superintendent for Wilkinson County, now under state control. Additionally, districts will receive up to $10,000 each in grants to cover half the cost of employing 198 school resource officers, with the remaining funds matched locally.
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