Residents of Biloxi – whether they live in Woolmarket, Eagle Point or other areas – ought to be able to attend Biloxi public schools, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich has long said, and on Tuesday the Biloxi City Council asked the Harrison County School Board to help make that happen.
When Woolmarket and Eagle Point became part of Biloxi in 1999, Biloxi Public Schools did not grow with the city, and, as a result, those residents remain in the Harrison County School District, where taxes are higher than Biloxi – about $250 a year higher on a $200,000 home.
“This is not a new issue for me,” Gilich said. “I’ve asked about this and I have been asked about this more than once since I became mayor in 2015, and now the county school board is asking Biloxi residents north of I-10 and in Eagle Point to vote to borrow $55 million for improvements to schools in Gulfport and D’Iberville.
“Frankly, if you live in Biloxi, you ought to be able to enjoy the lower school taxes we have and you ought to be able to attend Biloxi Public Schools, an A-rated district with three Blue Ribbon schools. I think it’s that simple.”
The City Council voted unanimously – save for Councilmember Nathan Barrett, who abstained – to ask the county school board to delay the Nov. 6 referendum on borrowing money and instead for the two school boards to “discuss other reasonable, feasible alternatives.”
If the bond vote is not delayed, the mayor and council say those voting should vote no.
See the council-passed resolution
Gallery: See photos from the meeting
Video: See the two-and-a-half hour meeting
Enter off Atkinson for Halloween at Hiller
One of the city’s most popular events, Halloween at Hiller Park, takes place on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., and those attending must use the Atkinson Road to enter the park.
“We want everyone to enjoy the event, but you must enter from the west end of the park, at Atkinson Road,” said Sherry Bell, Parks & Recreation Director. “The Hiller Drive area will be used only as an exit. This plan is only in effect for Halloween at Hiller.”
Children ages 11 and younger can go trick-or-treating with local business set up along the Barbara Ferrill Softball Fields, dance to a DJ spinning tunes, and enjoy games.
Admission is free to this family-friendly and safety-conscious Halloween event.
Details: 228-388-7170.
See more about Halloween at Hiller
