Last year, one of the first things newly-elected Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann promised to do upon taking office was to seek input from Mississippi’s public educators when considering legislation impacting public schools.
Hosemann recently accomplished that goal by naming to an Administrator Advisory Council 19 public school leaders from across the state, including two Hattiesburg educators: Hattiesburg Public School District Superintendent Robert Williams and Oak Grove High School Principal Helen Price.
“It feels pretty good to be placed in that position,” Williams said. “I think it’s a good opportunity not only for the district, but also for the Pine Belt superintendents who have a seat at the table, to think, pair and share on how we can move the needle forward as it relates to education in Mississippi.”
The Administrator Advisory Council will keep Hosemann and other officials informed about legislation relevant to public schools as the Senate conducts its part in the 2020 Legislative session. Members also will share concerns from their districts, and may be called on over the summer to participate in various study groups to examine potential legislation for next year’s session.
“I think (our goal) is two-fold,” Price said. “As the lieutenant governor receives bills regarding education, it’s my understanding that we will meet about those bills, and also he wants us to (bring up) any issues we have that aren’t being addressed in the Senate or the House to his attention.
“So he’ll bring the bills to us that concern education, and we’ll discuss those and what is best for each region in the state, and from each perspective. Then we’ll also bring issues to him if we don’t see them being addressed, that may need to be addressed for those Congressional positions.”
In addition to the Pine Belt, the Advisory Council includes representatives from eight other regions: Northeast, Golden Triangle, East Central, Coast, Capital Area, Southwest, Delta and North Mississippi. The council includes superintendents, as well as principals from elementary, middle and high schools, in addition to career and technical, special education, and curriculum and instruction directors.
“For the most part, it will be an opportunity to assess some dialogue about issues and how we can identify and remove barriers as it relates to education,” Williams said. “One of the big issues I think across the state is, how we can recruit and retain quality teachers to the profession. So that’s one I think is going to be key.”
Hosemann also plans to name a separate advisory council of teachers in early February.
“I’m so encouraged that Lt. Gov. Hosemann wants to get feedback from administrators and teachers, and I’m excited about that, hands-down,” Price said. “And then to be selected to a part of that group is a huge honor and a huge responsibility.
“I feel like I need to be sure that I’m representing the educators in our region, so that we can best advise him on the bills that come across his desk concerning education. So that’s what we would hope to do.”
