Mississippi House Bill HB120

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/23
• Refer: 1/4/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

MAEP; increase adjustment to base student cost for at-risk students.

Impact

The bill proposes a recalibration of the funding formula to increase the financial resources available for districts serving a higher percentage of at-risk students. This adjustment can help alleviate disparities in educational opportunities among districts, especially for those serving low-income families. Consequently, the bill aims to ensure that at-risk students receive adequate resources, improving their educational outcomes and overall well-being.

Summary

House Bill 120 amends Section 37-151-7 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, primarily focusing on increasing the adjustment to the base student cost allocated for at-risk students under the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP). The bill emphasizes enhancing educational funding specifically aimed at improving the educational experiences for at-risk pupils, recognizing their unique challenges and the necessity of additional support to facilitate their learning.

Contention

While the bill carries support from various educational advocates who see it as a critical step towards equity in education funding, there may be discussions surrounding its implementation. Critics may raise concerns about the potential financial burden on the state budget or question the adequacy of support for all school districts, particularly those that may not qualify for the increased funding despite the need for assistance to combat educational inequities.