It’s only September, but conversations have already started about what the Legislature should consider in 2027.
We should always be looking for ways to improve education for Mississippi’s children. What concerns me is when those conversations begin with the assumption that public education itself is the problem.
There are already discussions about dismantling parts of our public education system and consolidating school districts.
Are our public schools perfect? Certainly not. We have challenges that deserve our attention and honest conversations about how to address them. But improving public education is very different from tearing it apart.
Consolidation deserves thoughtful consideration as well. There are circumstances where it may make sense, particularly when a district does not have the human or financial resources to provide students the opportunities they deserve. But enrollment alone should not determine whether a community’s school district should exist.
Instead of constantly moving pieces around, let’s spend more time asking what we can build together.
One district may have found an effective way to recruit teachers. Another may be improving literacy, attendance or career preparation. Another may be finding creative ways to stretch limited resources. Let’s share those successes. Let’s learn from one another.
Mississippi has outstanding educators and school leaders doing exceptional work every day. More than 90% of Mississippi’s schoolchildren attend public schools. That gives us an enormous responsibility—and an enormous opportunity—to make the system better.
We should challenge public education to improve. We should hold ourselves accountable. But we should also recognize what is working and build on it.
Our children do not need more curveballs, moving targets or uncertainty about the future of their schools. They need us focused on the work that matters.
There will always be disagreements about how to improve education. That is healthy. But our shared goal should be bigger than any individual proposal or political agenda.
Mississippi’s children deserve our best effort. And they deserve all of us working together to give them the education and opportunities they need to succeed.
Phillip G Burchfield
Executive Director
MS School Superintendents
MS Public Schools
School Disctricts
Public School Students
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As a leading advocate for quality public education, the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents provides a comprehensive set of professional learning opportunities that equip educational administrators to inspire students to reach their fullest potential every day.
Mr. Rhyne Thompson
100 Courthouse Building, Suite 3
Dr. Jermaine Taylor
P. O. Box 656
Dr. Nonya Thrasher
119 Robert McDaniel Dr.
Dr. Howard Savage, Jr.
218 Fairground St.
Mr. Raymond Craven
107 West Main St.January 24 - 27, 2027
Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel and Conference Center
Registration opens in September.
More information will be available in October.
A tentative agenda will be available in September.
Relevance of topic to targeted audience or theme of the convention is the primary consideration.
MASS has been an invaluable resource for me over the years. Faced with unprecedented challenges – from COVID-19 to school safety to the management of advanced technology such as artificial intelligence – MASS has provided unwavering support. Through conferences, virtual sessions, and summits, they offer essential tools and resources, enabling me to navigate these complex times effectively and ensure our students thrive.
I have attended MASS both as an administrator and superintendent for many years. The networking opportunities are so important. Having the opportunity to share with others as we navigate through the complexities of many educational systems has been very rewarding.
Being a member of MASS has been truly transformative, and I am continually appreciative for the wealth of knowledge, support, and inspiration it provides. The collaborative nature of our network has fostered a culture of continuous learning and growth. Whether through thought-provoking discussions, informative workshops, or engaging events, I have been able to enhance my leadership skills and stay updated on current trends and best practices.
Having attended MASS conferences and been a member of MASS since 2008, I can say without hesitation that MASS is indeed the premier educational organization in the state of Mississippi. As a two-term MASS Board of Director's member, I have witnessed first-hand the professionalism of the MASS leadership, and I am confident that this organization will continue to provide Mississippi's superintendents and Alliance members with the highest quality professional development available.
Being a MASS member offers our small district invaluable benefits. We gain access to a vast network of educators, resources, and support. This helps us stay informed, collaborate, and advocate for our students while enhancing professional development and improving our district's overall success.
From my first year as a superintendent to now, MASS has been the steady force in my development. It continuously provides timely topics through its conventions, facilitates networking with other leaders across the state, and provides meaningful leadership experiences in my journey. At its core, MASS is about relationships, and I am blessed to be a member of such an outstanding organization.