Mississippi voters on Nov. 3 shot down a citizen-proposed constitutional amendment that would have increased funding for the state’s public schools, which have

Initiative 42 would have amended the state constitution by guaranteeing an “adequate and efficient system of public schools” through judicial oversight of the Legislature’s financial decisions. It was defeated by roughly 27,000 votes, with 52 percent voting against the amendment and 48 percent for it.

Supporters say it was the tricky two-part ballot that doomed the measure. Voters first had to answer whether they wanted to amend the constitution. Then they were asked if they preferred Initiative 42 or a similarly worded alternative crafted by Republican lawmakers.

“When you look at that up-and-down vote, we actually won that vote,” said Patsy Brumfield, the communications director at 42 for Better Schools, referring to the second question pitting the two proposed amendments against each other.

Fifty-nine percent of voters preferred Initiative 42 over the alternative.

The loss means the Legislature continues to have sole discretion over school funding, but public school advocates say they aren’t ready to give up yet.

“We’re going to continue to fight for adequate school resources, strong accountability and high standards,” said Nancy Loome of the Parents’ Campaign.

Jackson Free Press, Nov. 11
NPR, Nov. 4