Mississippi Senate Bill SB2317

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Board certified occupational therapists employed by schools; allow to be eligible for salary supplement.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on the funding structure for Mississippi's educational system, particularly in supporting specialized roles that contribute to student wellness and learning environments. With the inclusion of occupational therapists in the salary supplement scheme, it is anticipated that schools will have better resources to provide necessary therapy services that support students’ educational outcomes. Furthermore, it underscores the increasing recognition of diverse educational roles in the legislative framework, promoting comprehensive educational support beyond traditional teaching staff.

Summary

Senate Bill 2317 aims to amend Section 37-19-7 of the Mississippi Code to include board certified occupational therapists as eligible employees for annual salary supplements. This addendum allows occupational therapists who are employed by a local school board or by a state agency under the State Personnel Board to receive the same financial recognition as other certified educators. The bill aligns with the efforts to enhance educational support services within public schools and acknowledges the importance of occupational therapy in the educational ecosystem.

Contention

While the bill broadly received support as part of enhancing educational funding and support services, it also presents potential contentions regarding budget allocations. Critics may express concern over the financial implications of expanding salary supplements to include occupational therapists, particularly in regards to how these funds are sourced and managed within existing school budgets. There may also be discussions on whether similar provisions should be extended to other support roles within schools, such as counselors and speech therapists, thereby initiating a broader debate on equitable compensation across various educational support roles.