Public school supporters are applauding Senate Education Chair Dennis DeBar, Sen. Brice Wiggins, Sen. Chad McMahan, and the Senate Education Committee for taking a public stand today in support of a fair and objective school funding formula that represents the true cost of educating a Mississippi student to proficiency in core academic subjects. The comments were […]
Dueling School Funding Plans Draw Praise, Rebuke Read More »
Mississippi education associations agree: if legislators pursue a school funding formula (MAEP) rewrite, it must include the following elements. Objective formula for base cost, inflation factor, additional needs-based funding, and equity component – see details in our joint letter to the Legislature.
Essential Elements for School Funding Formula Read More »
Last week, the Mississippi Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a lawsuit challenging a $10-million appropriation to private schools for infrastructure improvements. State Attorney General Lynn Fitch had appealed a lower court’s ruling that the 2022 appropriation by the Mississippi Legislature was unconstitutional. Section 208 of the Mississippi Constitution states that “no funds shall be appropriated
MS Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Private School Infrastructure Funds Read More »
Yesterday, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann announced that Sen. Dennis DeBar of Leakesville will continue to lead the Senate Education Committee and Sen. David Blount of Jackson will return as vice chair. We are grateful for their leadership in the past four years and look forward to the next four! Other members of that committee are Senators
House & Senate Education Committees Named Read More »
Happy New Year! The 2024 session of the Mississippi Legislature convened at noon today. The legislators you elected were sworn in and each chamber elected its own leadership: Jason White as Speaker of the House, Manly Barton as House Speaker Pro Tempore, and Dean Kirby as President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Being the first
2024 Legislative Session Convenes Read More »
The Mississippi Board of Education has named Dr. Lance Evans as Mississippi’s next State Superintendent of Education. A 24-year educator, Dr. Evans has served multiple school districts as a teacher, coach, and principal and currently serves as superintendent of the New Albany School District. He led New Albany to its first A rating in the
Dr. Lance Evans Named State Superintendent of Education Read More »
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee adjourned its meeting last week without adopting its annual budget recommendation after Gov. Reeves refused to agree to the revenue estimate adopted by the committee. Reeves wanted a higher revenue estimate, which he said would make it easier to eliminate the income tax in the 2024 Session, a move that
Voucher and State Budget News Read More »
2024 Legislative Priorities An excellent early education experience for every child Expanded access to state-funded pre-k programs increase the early childhood education appropriation for FY2024 (ELCs and public pre-k) An excellent teacher in every classroom Teacher shortage – codify a plan to address Mississippi’s critical teacher shortage, which may include, but is not limited to:
2024 Legislative Priorities Read More »
2023 Priority Bills Each year, The Parents’ Campaign closely monitors and takes a position on several education bills. Below are the priority bills for the 2023 legislative session. Law HB 817 – Funding Amendments to Early Learning Collaborative Act – LAW House Bill 817 – increases per student funding for Early Learning Collaboratives to no
2023 Priority Bills Read More »
Many thanks to all who exercised your right to vote yesterday – and to all those who put themselves forward for service to our state as candidates for public office!We will be welcoming many new faces into the 2024 Legislature. Nearly three dozen House and Senate seats have changed in this election. If you have new
