The Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District is considering moving its administrative operations away from the Greensboro Center to Lynn Lane.
Superintendent Eddie Peasant and Assistant Superintendent for Federal Programs and Operations Toriano Holloway presented the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors with the suggestion to use the former Mississippi Department of Health building as an administrative headquarters. Several district buildings and programs would also be rearranged.
Peasant said the opportunity for the former health department building came approximately a month and a half ago.
“I think it’s a win-win for the board and for the school district,” Holloway said.
The proposal would allow the district to acquire the building from its current owner CMMG Enterprises LLC.
“It would house our entire administration with the exception of one to two departments we would probably leave at the Greensboro (Center),” Peasant said. "We would still also have some meeting space in that building.”
Peasant said CMMG had given the district four options to acquire the building, an outright purchase, two variations of a 10-year lease and an opportunity for a lease/purchase agreement.
“It would house our entire administration with the exception of one to two departments we would probably leave at the Greensboro (Center),” Peasant said. "We would still also have some meeting space in that building.”
Another group from Meridian is also interested in the former health department building, Holloway said.
Holloway said the potential new facility would fit the district perfectly and open up more space in facilities throughout the district. He also offered members of the boards the opportunity to tour any of the buildings involved.
The acquisition would cede control of the former East Oktibbeha High School, West Oktibbeha High School and East School to the county. The alternative school, located in the East School would move into Armstrong Middle School upon completion of the Partnership School in 2019.
Child nutrition offices would move from Henderson Ward Stewart to the Greensboro Center. The district’s special education office would also be moved from the first floor of the County Education Building, freeing up that space for county offices
The board made the decision to put the proposal under advisement and invite entities interested in taking the schools over to the next board meeting.
“These communities have large facilities sitting there vacant, becoming eyesores,” Peasant said. "The county wants to get someone in those buildings, so they are not just sitting there vacant.”
Peasant said he was unsure of any timeframe.
“Right now, the board is just considering it,” Peasant said.