Booneville, Baldwyn School Districts Plan Merger in 2027

The Booneville and Baldwyn school districts are pursuing a Booneville Baldwyn school merger that would combine the two Prentiss and Lee County districts under one administration while keeping every campus open, both districts announced Thursday, Nov. 5. A bill to consolidate the districts is expected to be introduced during the 2027 session of the Mississippi Legislature.

Baldwyn School District Superintendent Raymond Craven released a written statement Thursday laying out the reasons behind the proposal, while the Booneville School District shared the news with families on social media and posted a question-and-answer sheet for parents and community members.

Why Baldwyn is seeking a Booneville Baldwyn school merger

In his statement, Craven pointed to changes in Mississippi’s public school funding formula. He said Baldwyn was among the districts that saw an unfavorable financial impact under the new formula and that, even though the district is “presently in great financial shape,” the change has raised concerns about long-term stability and the resources needed to keep offering the programs students deserve.

Craven also noted that state leaders are studying consolidation ahead of the 2027 session. The Mississippi House Select Committee on Consolidation began meeting in June 2026 to look at possible mergers involving school districts, community colleges and universities. As one of the smallest districts in the state, Craven wrote, Baldwyn has to be ready for the possibility of being included in future consolidation efforts.

• A bill to consolidate the two districts is expected in the 2027 Legislative Session.
• District administration would be combined, and resources pooled.
• School district taxes are not expected to rise because of the merger, according to Baldwyn’s statement.
• Both districts’ campuses would remain open.

Schools, mascots and traditions would stay

According to the Baldwyn statement, both towns would keep their school campuses, community identities and traditions under the proposal. The Baldwyn Bearcats and the Booneville Blue Devils would continue to represent their communities. Craven called the partnership “a proactive step” toward addressing financial challenges, protecting taxpayers, supporting students and staff, and keeping the doors of Baldwyn’s schools open.

He also warned that without a merger or another solution, maintaining current programs and services “could place greater pressure on local taxpayers in the future.”

Booneville School District Superintendent Todd English told WTVA that consolidation is expected to be a major topic in the next legislative session because public school enrollment is dropping across the state and nation, and that both districts are trying to get ahead of the curve. English described the plan as an administrative consolidation only, with no schools closing, and said it would create more resources and opportunities for students while raising teacher pay. Combined, the two districts would serve just over 2,000 students, WTVA reported.

What happens next

Because the merger would require action by state lawmakers, nothing changes for students or staff this school year. Families with questions can review the FAQ posted by the Booneville School District and the full statement on the Baldwyn School District website. Alcorn News MS will follow the proposal as it moves to the Legislature in 2027.

Related: Prentiss County School Board: Walker Wins District 5 Seat and Booneville Aldermen Approve Sewer Repair, Police Hire, Grants.

Source: Baldwyn School District; additional reporting from WTVA