Appropriation; MDE to assist parents in paying school districts for cost of lost/damaged electronic devices assigned to students.
Impact
The bill directs the State Department of Education to distribute the allocated funds proportionately among public school districts across the state. Furthermore, it requires a dollar-for-dollar match from the liable parties for the cost of the electronic devices. This provision aims to foster a sense of accountability among parents and guardians while also ensuring that the funds are used effectively. The implementation of this bill, starting from the fiscal year 2024, demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing educational inequalities and enhancing student access to necessary technology.
Summary
House Bill 591 is an appropriation bill aimed at providing financial assistance to parents of at-risk public school students in Mississippi. Specifically, it allocates $3,000,000 from the State General Fund to the State Department of Education. The funds are designated to help parents cover costs related to lost, stolen, or damaged electronic devices assigned to students under the K-12 educational one-to-one program. This initiative is intended to alleviate some financial burdens faced by families whose children are deemed at risk of failing school, especially those receiving free or reduced lunch services.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support as a means to assist families in need, some questions arise regarding the sufficiency of funding and the requirement for matching contributions. There may be concerns that the matching requirement could place additional financial strain on some families, potentially limiting the effectiveness of the funds meant to aid them. Moreover, the ongoing discussion about how these funds will be monitored and managed at the district level is critical in determining the overall success and impact of the bill on educational outcomes for at-risk students.
House Substitute for SB 113 by Committee on K-12 Education Budget - Making appropriations for the department of education for FY 23, FY 24 and FY 25; establishing the mental health intervention team program; authorizing certain students to participate in activities regulated by the Kansas state high school activities association; requiring school districts to post certain enrollment and academic information on school district websites; revising school district open-enrollment procedures; authorizing local school board members to receive compensation from their school district; authorizing current-year student enrollment for determinations of state foundation aid; continuing the 20 mill statewide tax levy for schools; amending the school districts that qualify for and the amount that school districts are able to levy pursuant to the cost-of-living weighting.
Relative to the responsibility of local school districts to provide meals to students during school hours, reimbursing schools for meals provided to students at no cost, and making an appropriation therefor.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.