Mississippi House Bill HB1445

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Assistant teachers; provide annual salary supplement in "C," "D" and "F" school districts.

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to alter the landscape of teacher compensation within districts facing accountability challenges. By increasing salaries for assistant teachers, the intent is not only to improve teacher retention in areas where it is most needed but also to elevate the overall quality of education provided to students. This could lead to better student performance outcomes in struggling schools, as assistant teachers play a critical role in classroom instruction under the supervision of licensed teachers.

Summary

House Bill 1445 aims to provide an annual salary supplement to assistant teachers employed in Mississippi school districts that are rated 'C', 'D', or 'F' under the state's accountability system. The legislation amends Section 37-21-7 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 and establishes that assistant teachers in these districts will receive a minimum salary increase of $1,500. This initiative is part of an effort to improve educational outcomes in schools that are struggling and require additional support in the form of well-compensated instructional staff.

Contention

Notably, the bill may face opposition related to its funding sources and the implications it has on budgeting in school districts. With discussions emphasizing various educational funding allocations, there may be concerns about the sustainability of these salary supplements and whether they could lead to disparities between schools. Moreover, critics may highlight the accountability measures tied to ratings as potentially problematic, arguing that reliance on a single rating system oversimplifies the complexities involved in assessing school performance.