School board members are public officials and must abide by the Constitution, state and federal laws and regulations. The Basic Course is an overview of the key responsibilities of school board members.
Why new school board members must take the 12-Hour Basic Course: As required by MS Code Section 37-7-306, new school board members must complete the Basic Course within six months of their election / appointment to the school board. Failure to do so could result in removal from office.
To receive credit, new board members must attend both days of this two-day course. The two-day course schedule generally begins on Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and continues Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Superintendents are encouraged to attend the Basic Course with their new board members and upon completion are eligible to receive 10 hours SEMI Credit.
There is no charge for the Basic Course for new board members, but board members must pre-register. However, districts will be responsible for their meals and lodging.
Hotel Information: MSBA now has corporate relationships with Hyatt Place and Embassy Suites in Ridgeland, MS. Reservation can be made at the Hyatt Place by using Corporate Code 1002152 or at the Embassy Suites using Corporate Code 3245076.
Hyatt Place Jackson / Ridgeland, 1016 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS, offers a rate of $149.00 for a two queen bed room and $129.00 for a king bed room when calling the front desk at 1-601-898-8815.
Embassy Suites, 200 Township Place, Ridgeland, MS, offers a rate of $164.00 for a standard suite and $184.00 for a Premium or PURE Suite (breakfast, evening drinks in the lobby included) when calling their front desk at 1-601-607-7112.