The Achievement School District (ASD), established by Miss. Code Ann. §37-17-17, authorizes the Mississippi Board of Education to takeover schools and school districts deemed to be failing. State takeovers have occurred in the past, but this law establishes a state-wide district run by a state-appointed Superintendent. This law is based on the premise that the state can more efficiently and successfully manage schools.
Other states have implemented similar state-takeover districts. Research on these districts has shown negative outcomes for low-wealth communities and communities of color.