New Bill Would Consolidate Mississippi Community Colleges

"The bill has been referred to the House Universities and Colleges Committee for review. If signed into law, the bill would merge the Mississippi Delta and Coahoma community college districts, the East Mississippi and Meridian community college districts, and the Copiah-Lincoln and Southwest Mississippi community college districts by July 2027. The move would reduce the number of community colleges in the state from 15 to 12."

"Lamar argued consolidating the community colleges will mean more money to go around. "At a time where the community college system is asking the taxpayers of Mississippi to fund tens of millions in new investment into the system, the savings realized from administrative consolidation at our smaller schools could be immediately rolled into the 12 remaining community colleges for significant staff and faculty pay raises," he told the Magnolia Tribune."

"Kell Smith, executive director of the Mississippi Community College Board, told Inside Higher Ed, "The proposal to consolidate several Mississippi community college districts raises important questions worth careful consideration. Any potential administrative efficiencies should be weighed alongside the impact on students, faculty, staff, and the communities these colleges serve. Clear communication, transparency, and input from stakeholders will be essential as discussions move forward.""

Mississippi representative Trey Lamar proposed a bill to consolidate six community college districts into three merged pairs, with changes to take effect by July 2027. The bill, now referred to the House Universities and Colleges Committee, would merge Mississippi Delta with Coahoma, East Mississippi with Meridian, and Copiah-Lincoln with Southwest Mississippi. The state would see community colleges drop from 15 to 12, while college facilities would not be required to close except for unneeded administrative offices in abolished districts. Lamar said administrative consolidation could free savings for staff and faculty pay raises. The Mississippi Community College Board urged careful weighing of efficiencies against impacts on students, employees, and communities, and called for clear communication and stakeholder input.

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