Education activists say Mississippi lawmakers need to fully fund public schools to improve the state’s future.

Money is tight for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

Top lawmakers are recommending about the same funding for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program in the coming year as this year.

However, Tunica County school board member Marilyn Young says MAEP was shortchanged this year and will be again next year, even if it gets the same amount.

More than 100 students, parents and community activists gathered Wednesday at the Capitol for a rally by Southern Echo and the Mississippi Delta Catalyst Roundtable.

They also spoke against school consolidation — an issue that’s getting little debate this year.