Video: Starkville High Principal Ready For The Consolidation

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – With only a few weeks until the Starkville and Oktibbeha County Schools consolidate, educators are keeping busy.

Along with the consolidation comes a number of changes on both campuses and Starkville High School’s Principal is ready to begin this new journey.
“We’re going to do whatever we have to to meet their needs so they can be successful here at Starkville High School,” said Principal David Baggett.

That’s the promise of Baggett to all new students.

This fall, the campus population will grow from around 1,000 to 1,400 students when the consolidation is complete.

Baggett and the school staff have been working all year to make the county students feel welcome, including inviting the students to take several classes offered at Starkville.

“Once I saw our schedule and knew we were offering some courses that weren’t being offered at each of the other high schools, I reached out to both administrators and asked them if you know of any students that would like to take these courses that aren’t offered on your campuses, please come and do so,” said Baggett.

To accommodate the growth, the high school is expanding the cafeteria and adding new classrooms.

But the expansion doesn’t stop there.

Baggett says they are also adding new classes, from AP to fine arts, which gives students opportunities they didn’t have before,

“We have course offerings they couldn’t take at the schools they were at in the past. And we have made a concerted effort throughout the spring to go out, our coaches and fine arts instructors, meet with the students, explain what these courses are, what they entail and given them the opportunity to sign up at and try out,” said Baggett.

While most students are excited about the transition, change can still be scary.

But the staff promises to support the students throughout this journey.

“Are there going to be some with concerns and reservations, absolutely. That’s been their home, a lot of them, two, three, four years and now they’re going to something new. But I think that we have and are going to continue to make every effort to make this home for them,” said Baggett.

And while there is still work to be done, Baggett is counting down the days until a new school year begins.

“I’ve gone into this business because I enjoy working with the kids and when the kids aren’t here.I cant wait until August 10th rolls around to see those smiling faces and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our young people and to help them reach their dreams,” added Baggett.

School will begin August 10th.

Throughout the next few weeks, we’ll bring you more from educators and leaders on the final stages of the consolidation.