School choice; establish opportunity scholarships and open enrollment for public school students.
Impact
The bill amends specific sections of the Mississippi Code to facilitate school choice through the establishment of the Opportunity Scholarship Program. It creates significant modifications to existing student transfer regulations, allowing considerable flexibility for families to choose schools outside of their assigned districts, particularly for students from underperforming schools. The state board will oversee the management of scholarship-granting organizations, which will be tasked with administering the program and ensuring compliance with educational standards.
Summary
House Bill 1452 establishes the Opportunity Scholarship Program aimed at providing low-income public school and prekindergarten students the opportunity to attend approved nonpublic schools or prekindergarten programs. The initiative has eligibility criteria tied to the performance rating of the current school and the income level of the families involved. If a public school has a rating of 'D' or 'F' for two out of the last four years, families can apply for scholarships to transfer to nonpublic institutions. The program is intended to enhance educational choice for economically disadvantaged families.
Contention
Debate surrounding the bill centers on issues of public education funding and equity. Proponents argue that the bill offers necessary alternatives to families facing educational challenges in low-performing schools, thereby promoting parental choice and enhancing student opportunities. Critics, however, contend that it may undermine public school funding by diverting essential resources to nonpublic institutions, raising concerns about the implications for public school performance and equality in access to quality education.
Early learning scholarships, Head Start, and early education programs modified; early childhood educator programs provided; reports required; and money appropriated.