n A board vote to nix the move failed.

By Lena Mitchell

Daily Journal Corinth Bureau

BOONEVILLE - Emotions remain high among parents and staff of Prentiss County schools over plans to restructure district schools beginning in the 2010-2011 school year.

The school board moved Monday's meeting to the courtroom in the Prentiss County Courthouse to accommodate almost 100 people who attended.

Another 10 parents added their voices to about three dozen who spoke at the last meeting, as they sought to impress on the board their reactions to the decision.

Most people speaking to the board about the plan oppose it, though a few at both the May 4 and Monday's meetings support the changes.

The board voted in April, in a 3-2 split vote, to adopt one high school, one middle school and one elementary school to serve each side of the county, east and west.

An effort by board members Ronnie Kesler and Rickie Davis to rescind the earlier vote failed. The same three board members - Lisa Slack, Steve Taylor and Perry Walden - who approved the plan stood firm on their earlier votes, contending that the proposed changes will improve the financial health and programs of schools in the district.

Volunteer educational consultant Kermit Keenum, who developed the plan, said in making his recommendations that the plan would save the district an estimated $800,000-$900,000 when implemented.

Superintendent Matt Smith said the district has not received firm information about what state funds it will receive for the coming school year.

However, state Superintendent Hank Bounds told him it could range from full funding under the Mississippi Adequate Education Program funding formula, to a cut of $179,000.

Smith recommended the district begin working on a budget using the worst-case financial scenario so they will be prepared if the budget cuts are deep.

Contact Lena Mitchell at (662) 287-9822 or lena.mitchell@djournal.com.