Mississippi Modified School Calendar Grant Program; establish and provide eligibility criteria.
Impact
The legislation creates a designated fund within the state treasury specifically for this grant program, stipulating that school districts can receive financial assistance of up to $200,000 per year for a maximum of three years. This support is subject to various factors, including the school district's operational budget and student population, and it cannot be used for purchasing land or constructing new buildings. Notably, schools that have already implemented such modified calendars in previous academic years (2020-2021, 2021-2022, or 2022-2023) are also eligible for this funding.
Summary
Senate Bill 2361 aims to establish the Mississippi Modified School Calendar Grant Program which is designed to incentivize public school districts to adopt or maintain a modified school calendar. This concept includes altering traditional school schedules such that the length of summer vacation is reduced, and instructional days are more evenly spread throughout the year. The bill sets forth that funds will be allocated to offset the costs incurred by school districts for adopting this non-traditional arrangement through a time-limited grant, which emphasizes that such schools may benefit in student engagement and academic performance.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB2361 is primarily positive among lawmakers and educational advocates who believe that a modified calendar could enhance student learning and help schools manage resources more effectively throughout the year. The bill is seen as a progressive step to adapt education practices in Mississippi, aiming to improve outcomes for students. However, there is concern among some stakeholders regarding the sustainability of these changes and whether the financial incentives will be enough to encourage widespread adoption.
Contention
Points of contention surrounding the bill focus on the potential disparities in implementation across different districts. Some critics argue that the funding provisions may favor larger districts with more resources to adapt to a modified calendar, potentially widening the educational gap for smaller or underfunded districts. Additionally, the question of whether such calendar changes truly result in improved educational outcomes remains debated, with some educators expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of this approach.
To establish the Alabama Modified School Calendar Grant Program; to allow local boards of education to adopt a modified school calendar and to offset the associated costs with grants awarded through the program; to require the State Department of Education to administer the program; to create the Alabama Modified School Calendar Grant Fund and the Alabama Modified School Calendar Administration Fund within the State Treasury; to require the State Board of Education to adopt rules for implementing the program; to provide application and eligibility criteria for local boards of education to participate; and to provide for annual reporting on the use of funds by the State Board of Education.