Senate Republicans break ranks to kill historic school funding overhaul by Bracey Harris, The Clarion-Ledger, 3/1/18, excerpt:
As part of the deal for a new funding plan, all districts in the state would have been shielded from funding losses for the next two years. (Lt. Gov. Tate) Reeves indicated that the bill’s failure means the hold harmless provision no longer exists. So districts with declining enrollment might see less under MAEP next year.
Reeves said because of this some schools, and superintendents who lobbied against the new formula, may regret it.
“If you live in Lee County or you go to Tupelo Public Schools they would have received more money for their school districts next year,” Reeves said. “Since the plan didn’t pass the likelihood that they’re going to see less money next year than they’re seeing this year is pretty high. Maybe when the superintendents see that is ultimately the case they’re probably not going to like the fact that they lobbied so hard against the bill that actually would have benefited them and their school districts.”
Controversial bill to rewrite Mississippi’s public education funding formula is dead in the Senate, Mississippi Edition, Mississippi Public Broadcasting Radio, 3/2/18, excerpt beginning at minute 03:41
$8 million was available earlier for education, will it still be in final budget deal? by Bobby Harrison, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 3/18/18
See also: video clip of House debate on HB 1592, K-12 appropriation bill, 2/13/18
