Education 
Hurricane Katrina converged upon Mississippi’s school system with a vengeance, totally destroying some schools (50% or more damage) leaving others (less than 50% damage) in dire need of repair, cleaning, disinfecting and content replacement.  
Of the 11 public school districts serving the three coastal counties, at least 93 schools requested FEMA assistance.  In the remainder of the state, at least 71 school districts requested Public Assistance funding.  A total of 82 public school districts in Mississippi have over 1,000 obligated project worksheets. 
School rebuilding and restoration have dominated the local landscape. The Pass Christian School District alone lost four of its five schools. Pass Christian High School received more than eight feet of water, but it was able to be repaired. It is now operational and safe for teachers and students. 
 
Across the state, the majority of school buildings requiring repairs as a result of the hurricane are now operational. Schools that are rebuilding will remain in temporary facilities (provided by FEMA) until their buildings are completed. Final repairs are projected to be complete by the end of the 2008-2009 school year.   
 
Most of the buildings being replaced will be relocated out of the flood zone.  FEMA pays for the relocation of school buildings being moved out of the Advisory Base Flood Elevations. 
 
FEMA and Mississippi have made schools a top priority and are working diligently with the districts. Currently FEMA has obligated (paid to the state) almost $250 million to repair, replace or relocate Mississippi schools. The state has disbursed approximately $82 million.