To make a strong case, we are focused on collecting signatures within MISSISSIPPI only. Thanks to all others for your interest, and keep up the fight!

In the City of Columbus besides the Columbus Municipal School District, there are no options for families outside of the 5 private school offerings, serving 676 students (privateschoolreview.com, 2021).  Within that pool of students, only 10% of those enrolled in those private schools are African American students (privateschoolreview.com, 2021).  With the lack of good education options for families this leaves those same families to depend on the school district to provide a quality education. 

The report cards for the Columbus Municipal School District have been a letter grade of a “D” for the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 school years (https://msrc.mdek12.org/ ).

This petition is to provide an opportunity for parents, youth, and the community to show support for the launching of Columbus’ 1st Charter School: Columbus Leadership Academy. This won't be possible without the  efforts from the community in the city of Columbus. Parent and community support for charter schools are highly important and valued to the Mississippi Charter School Authorization Board. We can do this for the youth of Columbus if we all pull together!