VIDEO: One Local School District Adopts New Policy

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)-The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated school district now has a new policy in place regarding praying at school.

During its regularly scheduled board meeting, members voted unanimously to adopt the IGAA Student Religious Liberties policy.

With this policy now in place, it means there cannot be organized prayer from any adults , ministers, teachers, or anyone else.

Only students can start and lead prayers at school or at school functions.

“This policy sets out which students may be chosen to represent the student body at graduation, at whatever ceremony, at a football game, and what student leadership positions could actually participate in student initiated and student led prayer,” said district superintendent Dr. Lewis Holloway.

Holloway tells WCBI this policy will take effect July first.

Also taking place during Tuesday night’s school board meeting, four open positions were filled and a new member was appointed.

Former school board vice president Keith Coble has now been appointed to serve as president of the school board.

Dr. Lee Brand will now serve as the vice president, John Brown will serve as secretary, and the newly appointed board member Melissa Luckett, will serve as the assistant secretary.

WCBI caught up with Luckett to her thoughts on being the newest member on the board, here’s what she had to say.

“I am honored and I’m looking forward to serving with the school board and getting to serve with other members who have been dedicated to the school district for a while, and Learning right off the bat tonight has been a good experience and I’m looking forward to more,” said Luckett.

 
Prior to becoming a board member, Luckett worked at Mississippi State University and has spent over a decade volunteering in the school district.