In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a vision for the future of education in Mississippi evolved into more than rhetoric. The state needed a fundamental shift in attitude toward public education and an unwavering commitment to the importance of education. “Whatever the question is, the answer is education.”  These simply stated, yet powerful words from then newly appointed Mississippi Superintendent of Education, Dr. Hank Bounds, provided the impetus for a public-private partnership that could conceivably change education in Mississippi.

The support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), coupled with Dr. Bounds' clear mission and high expectations, led to the creation of the Mississippi Center for Education Innovation (Center), an entity that has the opportunity to assist in transforming education in the poorest state in the country.

There are numerous directions that can lead to attainment of these goals, yet all paths must address the history, culture and challenges unique to Mississippi. The Center has engaged in initiatives with a network of education advocates, including the Mississippi Department of Education. The development and implementation of successful education models have implications for replication in schools and districts throughout the state and the southeast. The initiatives are not short-term, but rather a plan for long-term, sustainable change.

We all know there is no “silver bullet” that will transform education quickly. We also know that the quality of a child’s education is dependent upon several things. Teacher quality, parent involvement, effective school leaders, and community support and expectations are keys to improving education.  Transforming public education is a pretty tall order, but when schools, communities, families, businesses, and public/private partnerships are engaged, it can be done.