MS
Mississippi Senate Bill SB2335

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2335

Introduced
2/8/24  
Refer
2/8/24  

Caption

School nurses; direct the Office of Healthy Schools to develop salary schedule that all school districts shall use when employing.

Impact

The implementation of SB2335 would necessitate changes in how school districts approach budgeting and staffing for school nurses. By requiring all districts to follow a uniform salary schedule, the bill seeks to alleviate pay disparities that may exist across different districts. This change is expected to improve the quality of healthcare available in schools and underscore the importance of health services in the educational system, reflecting a state commitment to student wellness and educational success. The bill also assigns the Office of Healthy Schools the responsibility to oversee compliance and ensure the effective operation of school nurse programs statewide.

Summary

Senate Bill 2335 seeks to amend Section 37-14-3 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to establish a mandatory salary schedule for school nurses, which would be based on their education and experience. This new salary schedule would need to be adhered to by all school districts across the state, ensuring a standardized minimum salary for school nurses. The legislation aims to enhance the recruitment and retention of school nurses by offering competitive compensation and recognizing their vital role in the educational environment.

Contention

While the goals of SB2335 are broadly regarded as positive, there are potential points of contention concerning the funding and implementation of the proposed salary schedule. Critics may argue that imposing a statewide salary mandate could create financial burdens for smaller school districts that may already be struggling with budget constraints. There may also be calls for further discussions on the adequacy of funding sources to support such mandates without compromising other educational services. Overall, the balance between ensuring fair compensation and maintaining fiscal responsibility will likely shape the discussions around the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB1443

Comprehensive sex education; require teaching of in Grades K-12.

MS SB2777

School attendance officers; revise to increase the minimum base salary.

MS HB387

School attendance officers; revise salary scale for.

MS HB55

School districts; require all schools to have epinephrine auto-injectors in every building and cafeteria.

MS HB1179

School attendance officers; transfer responsibility for employment and establishment of duties from MDE to the local school districts.

MS SB2317

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

MS HB1368

School districts; authorize certain districts to employ retired teachers while they continue to draw retirement allowance.

MS SB2333

Public schools; require staff training to assist with seizures.

MS HB601

School attendance officers; provide formula for allocating funds for the employment of and increase minimum base salary of.

MS HB931

School board members; allow school districts to provide health insurance for.

Similar Bills

MS HB280

Comprehensive School Health Education Program; include additional components in and require school nurse to teach.

MS HB523

Statewide testing program; require tests to be translated and printed into primary spoken language of ELL students.

MS HB193

Statewide testing program; require tests to be translated and print into primary spoken language of ELL students.

MS SB2713

Emerging Crops Fund; increase amount that may be loaned to any one borrower to assist in financing minority economic development.

MS SB2760

Emerging Crops Fund; increase amount that may be loaned to any one borrower to assist in financing minority economic development.

MS HB416

Statewide testing program; require tests to be translated and printed in primary spoken language of ELL students.

MS SB2170

School nurses; direct the Office of Healthy Schools to develop a salary schedule that all school districts shall use when employing.

MS HB654

School nurses; direct the Office of Healthy Schools to develop salary schedule for that all school districts shall use when employing.