Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-29 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 106-29
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-29
Status: in_force

(1) There is established the Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant Program for college or university freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors to be administered by the Mississippi Postsecondary Education Financial Assistance Board established under Section 37-106-9, Mississippi Code of 1972 , which shall set the dates and deadlines for applying for an award under this section. The board shall establish such rules and regulations as it deems necessary and proper to carry out the purposes and intent of this section.

(2) The board shall approve grants to full-time freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior Mississippi residents who meet the general requirements for student eligibility as provided in subsection (4) of this section.

(3) Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grants shall be for Mississippi resident students from any Mississippi family whose prior year adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds the maximum allowed to qualify for full Pell Grant eligibility and campus-based federal aid. Those Mississippi students qualifying for less than the full Pell Grant award shall receive a Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant in an amount not to exceed the maximum Pell Grant allowable for that individual student. The award shall be applied to tuition, rooms and meals, books, materials and fees not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for junior and senior students attending state institutions of higher learning in Mississippi or four-year regionally accredited, state-approved, nonprofit colleges and universities in Mississippi, and Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for freshmen and sophomores attending state institutions of higher learning or public community or junior colleges in Mississippi, or regionally accredited, state-approved, nonprofit two-year or four-year colleges in Mississippi, which will be prorated per term, semester or quarter of the academic year for costs of attendance, calculated according to the formula specified in subsection (8) of this section.

(4) The general requirements for initial eligibility of students for Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grants consist of the following:

(a) Member of a Mississippi family whose prior year adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds the maximum allowed to qualify for Pell Grant eligibility and campus-based federal aid.

(b) Acceptance for enrollment at any state institution of higher learning or public community or junior college located in Mississippi, or any regionally accredited, state-approved, nonprofit two-year or four-year college or university located in Mississippi and approved by the board.

(c) Completion of a secondary education as follows:

(i) Graduation from high school verified by the institution before disbursement of award with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 calculated on a 4.0 scale after seven (7) semesters as certified by the high school counselor or other authorized school official on the application; or

(ii) Attendance at a home education program during grade levels 9 through 12; or

(iii) Satisfactory completion of the High School Equivalency Diploma; or

(iv) Successful completion of the International Baccalaureate Program.

(d) A minimum score of fifteen (15) on the ACT test except that any student entering a vocational or technical program of study, or who has satisfactorily completed the High School Equivalency Diploma Test and attends a community or junior college will not be required to have a test score under the ACT unless a student enrolls in courses of academic study.

(e) Any student currently enrolled in any qualified institution shall have to only meet the same requirements as students who are applying for a renewal award.

(5) By accepting a Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant, the student is attesting to the accuracy, completeness and correctness of information provided to demonstrate the student's eligibility. Falsification of such information shall result in the denial of any pending grant and revocation of any award currently held to the extent that no further payments shall be made. Any student knowingly making false statements in order to receive a grant shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable, upon conviction thereof, by a fine of up to Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), a prison sentence of up to one (1) year in the county jail, or both, and shall be required to return all Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grants wrongfully obtained.

(6) Eligibility for renewal of Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grants shall be evaluated at the end of each semester, or term, of each academic year. As a condition for renewal, a student shall:

(a) Make steady academic progress toward a certificate or degree, as outlined in the school Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards and certified by the institution's registrar.

(b) Maintain continuous enrollment for not less than two (2) semesters or three (3) quarters in each successive academic year, unless granted an exception for cause by the administering board; examples of cause may include student participation in a cooperative program, internship program or foreign study program. If a student fails to maintain continuous enrollment, and is not granted an exception for cause by the administering board, the student is ineligible to receive the Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant during the following semester or trimester or term of the regular academic year.

(c) Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50 calculated on a 4.0 scale at the end of each semester or trimester or term.

(7) Each student, each year, must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form or a Statement of Certification as designed by the administering board to determine his/her eligibility for a Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant.

(8)(a) The amount of the Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant awarded to any one (1) student, up to the maximum amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be the difference of the student's cost of attendance at his accredited college of choice and the amount of federal aid such student may receive, not to supplant but to supplement the amount of any federal aid awarded to the student. Cost of attendance is the tuition and fees of the applicable institution plus an allowance for room and meals and books and materials.

(b) Payment of the Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant shall be made payable to the recipient and the educational institution and mailed directly to the institution, to be applied first to tuition.

(9) In order for an institution to remain eligible for its students to participate in the Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant Program, the institution shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) A complete and accurate roster of the eligibility status of each awarded student shall be made to the board for each term, semester or quarter of the academic year the student receives a Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant.

(b) The institution is required to make refunds to the Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant Fund for any funds which have not been disbursed to the recipient, in the case of students who have received a grant but who terminate enrollment during the academic term, semester or quarter of the academic year if an institution's refund policies permit a student to receive a refund in such instance. The recipient shall be responsible for the refund of any funds which have been disbursed by the institution in such instance.

(c) If a student drops below full-time status but does not terminate all enrollment during the term, semester or quarter of the academic year no refund will be required for that term. However, that student is ineligible to receive the Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant during the following term, semester or quarter of the regular academic year.

(d) The board may conduct its own annual audits of any institution participating in the Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant Program. The board may suspend or revoke an institution's eligibility to receive future monies under the program if it finds that the institution has not complied with the provisions of this section. In determining a student's initial eligibility, the number of prior semesters enrolled will not be counted against the student.

(10) No student may receive a Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant for more than the equivalent semesters or quarters required to complete one (1) baccalaureate degree or one (1) certificate or associate degree program per institution.

(11) No student receiving a Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant as provided in Section 37-106-31 shall be eligible to receive the Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant pursuant to this section unless he is eligible for such award after the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant has been considered by the board when conducting an assessment of the financial resources available to the student. In no case shall any student receive any combination of student financial aid that would exceed the cost of attendance, as defined in subsection (8)(a).

For purposes of this section, certificated shall mean, but not be limited to, all postsecondary vocational programs in eligible institutions approved by the board.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-148-5 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 148-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-148-5
Status: in_force

(1) The SMART Business Act shall include the SMART Business Rebate to promote research partnerships between colleges and investors and the SMART Business Accelerate Initiative to promote the development of state-owned intellectual property.

(2) The SMART Business Rebate shall be implemented as follows:

(a) Subject to the provisions of this chapter, an investor incurring qualified research costs subject to a research agreement is eligible for a rebate equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the investor's qualified research costs.

(b) An investor incurring research costs may not claim a rebate pursuant to this chapter greater than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) in any fiscal year.

(c) The total amount of rebates issued under the SMART Business Rebate by the state in any fiscal year may not exceed Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,500,000.00).

(d) Investors desiring to apply for the SMART Business rebate authorized by this chapter shall submit an application to IHL which must contain, at a minimum, the following:

(i) A description of the qualified research to be conducted by the college or research corporation;

(ii) A proposed budget;

(iii) An estimated date for completion of the qualified research; and

(iv) Such additional information as may be requested by IHL.

(e) IHL shall review each application to determine if the investor has satisfied all of the requirements of this section.

(f) Within sixty (60) days of receiving an application, IHL shall issue or refuse to issue a SMART Business Rebate certificate. The SMART Business Rebate certificate must include the amount of the rebate the investor is eligible to claim, subject to subsection (1) of this section. IHL must notify the Department of Revenue when a SMART Business Rebate certificate is issued.

(g) To claim a rebate, the investor must submit a rebate allocation claim to the Department of Revenue. The rebate allocation claim must include, at a minimum, the SMART Business Rebate certificate issued by IHL and proof of payment to the college or research corporation for qualified research conducted according to the research agreement.

(h) The Department of Revenue may request an audit from the investor submitting a rebate allocation claim, at the investor's expense, to verify the investor has satisfied the requirements of this chapter.

(i) The Department of Revenue shall issue rebates available under this subsection from current income tax collections.

(j) Rebates must be allocated to investors by the Department of Revenue in the order that SMART Business Rebate certificates are issued by IHL.

(3) The SMART Business Accelerate Initiative shall be implemented as follows:

(a) Subject to the provisions of this chapter, an applicant performing research validation pursuant to a research agreement is eligible for a disbursement of up to One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) for the applicant's qualified validation expenses.

(b) The total amount of disbursements issued by the state under the SMART Business Accelerate Initiative in any fiscal year may not exceed One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000.00).

(c) Applicants desiring to apply for a SMART Business Accelerate Initiative disbursement authorized by this chapter shall submit an application to IHL which must contain, at a minimum, the following:

(i) A description of the research validation to be conducted by the college or research corporation using funds from the disbursement;

(ii) A proposed budget of qualified validation expenses;

(iii) A certified determination from the applicant that the proposed research validation is necessary to develop state-owned intellectual property into products and services; and

(iv) Such additional information as may be requested by IHL.

(d) IHL shall review each application to determine if the applicant has satisfied all of the requirements of this section.

(e) Within sixty (60) days of receiving an application, IHL shall issue or refuse to issue a SMART Business Accelerate Initiative disbursement certificate. The SMART Business Accelerate Initiative disbursement certificate must include the amount of the disbursement the applicant is eligible to receive, subject to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection. IHL must notify the Department of Revenue when a SMART Business Accelerate Initiative disbursement certificate is issued.

(f) IHL shall develop a process for accepting, reviewing and selecting proposals for SMART Business Accelerate Initiative disbursements and notifying the Department of Revenue when applicants have been selected to receive disbursements.

(g) The Department of Revenue shall issue disbursements available under this subsection from current income tax collections.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-35 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 113-35
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-35
Status: in_force

Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science is hereby authorized and directed, through its agricultural extension service or other appropriate divisions or services of the institution, to make a survey of all farms and farm lands operated by the various state institutions, and to prepare for each of the said institutions a five-year plan of land use based on good husbandry and the particular needs of each institution. Separate plans shall be made for each institution and shall be submitted to the governing authorities of the institution affected. The governing authorities of such institutions shall put such plan into effect as soon as may be practicable. The university shall also cause to be made a detailed report and compilation of the survey made at each institution, and the plan prepared for each, which report shall be printed and bound in book or pamphlet form and distributed as follows: ten (10) copies each to the governor and the legislative budget office, and one (1) copy to each member of the legislature, or state official or institution requesting the same.

Each year after submitting the aforesaid plan to the several institutions, the university, through its agricultural extension service or other appropriate divisions or services of the institution, shall make a semiannual inspection of each institution for which a plan was submitted, and determine what progress has been made by the institution in adopting and carrying into effect or to completion the plan prepared for it. A report of each inspection made hereunder shall be made to the governor and the legislative budget office.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-145-61 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 145-61
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-145-61
Status: in_force

The company shall have the power to contract with the holders of any of its bonds as to the custody, collection, securing, investment and payment of any money of the company, and of any money held in trust or otherwise for the payment of bonds, and to carry out such contract. Money held in trust or otherwise for the payment of bonds or in any way to secure bonds and deposits of money may be secured in the same manner as money of the company, and all banks and trust companies are authorized to give security for the deposits.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-102-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 102-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-102-7
Status: in_force

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning shall submit to the Legislature budget requests with off-campus programs being an identified part of the total general support budget request for universities by being a separate item within the budget request of the respective university which offers the program. Said budget request shall include a statement of all actual or estimated receipts and disbursements for such off-campus programs and such other information as may be required by the Legislative Budget Office.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-21-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 21-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-21-1
Status: in_force

It shall be the policy of this state that any person acting in the capacity of teacher, assistant teacher or teacher's aide shall possess certain educational qualifications in order to perform any of the functions, duties or powers of the same in early childhood education programs.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-315 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 101-315
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-315
Status: in_force

The bonds issued under the provisions of Sections 37-101-301 through 37-101-331 shall be general obligations of the State of Mississippi, and for the payment thereof the full faith and credit of the State of Mississippi are hereby irrevocably pledged. If the funds appropriated by the Legislature be insufficient to pay the principal of and the interest on such bonds as they become due, then the deficiency shall be paid by the State Treasurer from any funds in the State Treasury not otherwise appropriated. All such bonds shall contain recitals on their faces substantially covering the foregoing provisions of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-17 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 45-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-17
Status: in_force

The commission shall select an executive secretary, who shall be the administrative officer of the commission. The executive secretary shall perform such duties as are required of him by law, and such other duties as may be assigned to him by the commission. He shall receive such compensation as may be fixed by the commission. He shall hold, or be eligible to secure, a Class AA certificate for administrators as defined in the rules and regulations of the state department of education covering the certification of instructional personnel. He shall have had ten years' experience as a teacher, supervisor or administrator in the public schools, of which not less than five years shall have been in a responsible administrative position. He shall have had broad professional education experience and shall have recognized ability as a school administrator. He shall have no vote in the decisions of said commission, and shall have no voice in the making or fixing of policies by said commission. Said executive secretary, in order to qualify for his position, shall be required to make a good and sufficient bond in some surety company qualified and doing business in the State of Mississippi, in the penal sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00), conditioned upon the faithful performance of his duties as required by law and the directives of said commission. The premium on said bond shall be paid from any funds available to the commission for such purpose. Said executive secretary may be removed at any time upon a majority vote of the membership of said commission.

The commission shall have the power and authority to employ such technical, professional, and clerical help as may be necessary for the administration of this chapter and for the performance of such other duties as may be imposed upon the commission by law, and to define the duties and fix the compensation of such employees.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-463 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 29-463
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-463
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of the Copiah-Lincoln Junior College District shall each year, on or before June 15, prepare a budget which shall contain a detailed estimate of the revenues and expenses anticipated for the ensuing year for general operation and maintenance, and shall set forth the reasonable requirements for anticipated needs for capital outlays for land, buildings, initial equipment for new buildings and major repairs, a reasonable accumulation for such purposes being hereby expressly authorized.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-173-25 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 173-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-173-25
Status: in_force

(1) Each school providing instruction to children with dyslexia shall certify to the State Department of Education its student enrollment in the same manner as local school districts.

(2) The department shall direct the proportionate share of monies generated under federal and state categorical aid programs to the participating school for serving students eligible for the aid. The state shall ensure that each school is treated equitably in the calculation and disbursement of all federal and state categorical aid program dollars. Each school participating in the scholarship program shall comply with all reporting requirements to receive the aid.

(3)(a) Each school shall adhere to generally accepted accounting principles as promulgated by nationally recognized professional organizations.

(b) Each school shall have its financial records audited annually, at the end of each fiscal year, by the State Auditor and shall file a copy of each audit report and accompanying management letter with the board by July 30.

(4) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit any person or organization from providing funding or other assistance to the establishment or operation of any school authorized under this chapter, except religious or sectarian organizations. The State Board of Education, acting on behalf of the participating schools, is authorized to accept gifts, donations, and grants of any kind made to a participating school and to expend or use such gifts, donations, and grants in accordance with the conditions prescribed by the donor; however, no gift, donation, or grant may be accepted if subject to a condition that is contrary to any provision of state law or board rule.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-213 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 151-213
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-213
Status: in_force

(1) To qualify for state funds under this chapter, a school district may not exceed a student-teacher ratio determined in accordance with appropriate accreditation standards developed by the Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation. However, a local district may apply to the State Board of Education for approval of a waiver to this section by submitting and justifying an alternative educational program to serve the needs of enrollment. The State Board of Education must approve or disapprove of the waiver no later than forty-five (45) days after the receipt of the application.

(2) If a school district violates a required student-teacher ratio, the state share in support of the funding formula for the next succeeding fiscal year to that school district must be reduced by the percentage variance that the actual student-teacher ratios in the school district is to the required student-teacher ratios established under accreditation standards.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the State Board of Education may waive the student-teacher requirements upon a finding that a good faith effort is being made by a school district to comply with the ratio provision but, due to a lack of classroom space which is beyond the district's control, it is physically impossible for the district to comply, and the cost of temporary classroom space cannot be justified.

(4) If a school district meets the highest levels of performance classification, as determined by the State Board of Education in the state's accountability standards, the State Board of Education, in its discretion, may exempt the school district from the maximum student-teacher ratio required under this section.

(5) This section is not applicable to charter schools.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-69 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 106-69
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-69
Status: in_force

(1) There is established a forgivable loan program to encourage family protection workers employed by the Department of Child Protection Services to obtain the college education necessary to become licensed as a social worker, master social worker or certified social worker and become a family protection specialist for the department.

(2) Any person who is employed as a family protection worker for the Department of Child Protection Services shall be eligible for a forgivable loan from the board which shall be used to pay the costs of the person's education at a state institution of higher learning in Mississippi to obtain a college degree that is necessary to become licensed as a social worker, master social worker or certified social worker and become a family protection specialist for the department. The annual amount of a forgivable loan award under the program shall be equal to the total cost of tuition and fees at the college or university in which the student is enrolled, not to exceed an amount equal to the highest total cost of tuition and fees assessed by a state institution of higher learning during that school year.

(3) Forgivable loans made under the program shall be available to both full-time and part-time students. Students enrolling on a full-time basis may receive a maximum of two (2) annual awards. The maximum number of forgivable loans that may be made to students attending school on a part-time basis, and the maximum time period for part-time students to complete the number of academic hours necessary to obtain the necessary degree, shall be established by rules and regulations of the board. Forgivable loans made under the program shall not be based upon an applicant's financial need. A student must maintain a “C” average or higher in his or her college coursework in order to continue receiving the forgivable loan.

(4) Repayment and conversion terms shall be the same as those outlined in Section 37-106-53 , except for the following:

(a) After a person who received a forgivable loan under the program has obtained a college degree that is necessary to become licensed as a social worker, master social worker or certified social worker and has received such a license from the Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists, the person shall render service as a family protection specialist for the Department of Child Protection Services for a period of not less than three (3) years from the date that the person became a family protection specialist;

(b) Any person who fails to complete his or her service obligation as a family protection specialist for the Department of Child Protection Services for not less than three (3) years, as required under subsection (4)(a) of this section, shall become liable immediately to the board for the sum of all forgivable loan awards made to that person, plus interest accruing at the current Stafford Loan rate at the time the person discontinues his or her service.

(5) It is the intent of the Legislature that the pursuit of necessary college education by family protection workers through the forgivable loan program shall not interfere with the duties of the family protection workers with the Department of Child Protection Services. The department shall promulgate regulations regarding family protection workers who participate in the forgivable loan program to ensure that such participation does not interfere with their duties with the department.

(6) The board shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the proper administration of the forgivable loan program established under this section. The board shall be the administering agency of the program.

(7) The total amount of state funds that may be expended for this program shall not exceed Three Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($320,000.00) in any fiscal year.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-133 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 23-133
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-133
Status: in_force

Words and terms, unless otherwise defined below, when used in Sections 37-23-1 through 37-23-159 shall be defined in the same manner as those words and terms used in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1997 Amendments (IDEA), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, applicable federal regulations and relevant court cases:

(a) “ Assistive technology device ” means any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.

(b) “ Assistive technology service ” means any service that directly assists a student with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device. The term includes:

(i) The evaluation of the needs of a student with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the student in his or her customary environment;

(ii) Purchasing, leasing or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by students with disabilities;

(iii) Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing or replacing assistive devices;

(iv) Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;

(v) Training or technical assistance for a student with a disability or, if appropriate, that student's family; and

(vi) Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education or rehabilitation services), employers or other individuals who may provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of students with disabilities.

(c) “ Consent ” means agreement in writing from the parent of a child with a disability pertaining to the activities as required under IDEA and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Local educational agencies shall ensure that the parent:

(i) Has been fully informed of all information relevant to the activity for which consent is required;

(ii) Understands the activity for which consent is requested; and

(iii) Understands that the granting of consent is voluntary and may be revoked at any time prior to the time the activity is conducted.

(d) “ Free appropriate public education ” means special education and related services provided by local educational agencies that:

(i) Have been provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge;

(ii) Meet the standards of the State Department of Education;

(iii) Include an appropriate preschool, elementary, or secondary school education; and

(iv) Are provided in conformity with the individualized education program required under IDEA, applicable federal and state regulations and relevant court cases.

(e) “ Individualized education program ” or “ IEP ” means a written statement for each child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with the requirements under IDEA, applicable federal and state regulations and relevant court cases.

(f) “ Least restrictive environment ” means to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, are educated with children who are not disabled, and special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability of a child is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.

(g) “ Parent ” means a person who is legally responsible for a child's welfare or acting for the child in the absence of the legally responsible person. Parent may also mean a natural parent, a guardian, or a surrogate parent.

(h) “ Related services ” means transportation, and such developmental, corrective, and other supportive services (including speech-language pathology and audiology services, psychological services, physical and occupational therapy, recreation, including therapeutic recreation, social work services, counseling services, including rehabilitation counseling, orientation and mobility services, and medical services, except that such medical services shall be for diagnostic and evaluation purposes only) as may be required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education, and includes the early identification and assessment of disabling conditions in children.

(i) “ Special education ” means specially designed instruction provided by local educational agencies, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, including instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings. This term also includes instruction in physical education.

(j) “ Supplementary aids and services ” means aids, services, and other supports that are provided in regular education classes or other education-related settings to enable children with disabilities to be educated with nondisabled children to the maximum extent appropriate in accordance with the least restrictive environment requirements under IDEA, applicable federal regulations and relevant court cases.

(k) “ Transition services ” means a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability that:

(i) Is designed within an outcome-oriented process, which promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation;

(ii) Is based upon the individual student's needs, taking into account the student's preferences and interests;

(iii) Includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and, when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-131 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 13-131
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-131
Status: in_force

(1) The State Department of Education is designated as the state agency responsible for the administration and supervision of the Comprehensive School Health Education Program as an educational curriculum in the State of Mississippi. It is the intent of the Legislature that all funds made available to the State Department of Education for the purpose of comprehensive school health education shall be administered by the State Department of Education.

(2) Pursuant to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the State Department of Education is authorized to establish an Office of Comprehensive School Health Education within the framework of the State Department of Education for the purpose of developing standards, procedures and criteria for the administration and supervision of a statewide program of health education in Kindergarten through Grade 12. The State Department of Education, through the Office of Comprehensive School Health Education, shall assume the further responsibility for promoting a statewide effort designed to prepare local school faculties and staffs to incorporate the comprehensive health education concept into their local educational programs.

(3) The Mississippi Department of Health, in conjunction with the Office of Student Development-Branch of Health-Related Services of the State Department of Education, shall develop a long-range strategic plan for a Comprehensive School Health Education Program in Grades K through 12. The Comprehensive School Health Education Program shall encompass four (4) interdependent components: (a) health education; (b) health service; (c) physical education and fitness; and (d) a healthful school environment. These curriculum components shall be designed to develop decision-making competencies related to health and health behavior. Such curriculum components are intended to motivate health maintenance and promote wellness, not only to prevent disease or disability. The Mississippi Department of Health, in conjunction with the Office of Student Development-Branch of Health-Related Services of the Department of Education, shall develop the strategic plan and make a report thereon to the Governor and the Legislature on or before January 1, 1995.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-53 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 106-53
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-53
Status: in_force

(1) Forgivable loans shall be made and based upon the following options for repayment or conversion to interest-free scholarships:

(a) Payment in full of principal plus a penalty of five percent (5%) of the principal and interest on the combined principal and penalty must be made in monthly installments, the maximum number of which will be determined by the board, unless set forth in this chapter. Interest will begin to accrue at the date of separation from the approved program of study at a rate equal to the unsubsidized Federal Stafford loan rate at the time of separation. Repayment will commence one (1) month after separation from the program of study, unless the recipient is granted a grace period or deferment by the board. The availability and length of a grace period will be determined by the board. The availability and length of any deferments will be determined by the board.

(b) In lieu of payment in full of both principal and interest, a loan recipient may elect to repay by entry into service employment. Service requirements for each forgivable loan program will be determined by the board, unless set forth in this chapter. Unless excepted by this chapter, repayment under this option shall convert loan to scholarship, and discharge the same, on the basis of one (1) year's full-time service for one (1) year's loan amount or its equivalent if the recipient attended part-time, or the appropriate proportion of the total outstanding balance of principal and interest, all as shall be established by rule and regulation of the board. The period of service shall in no event be less than one (1) year. If at any time prior to the repayment in full of the total obligation the recipient abandons or abrogates repayment by this option, the provisions of subsection (1)(c) of this section shall apply.

(c) In the event of abandonment or abrogation of the option for repayment as provided for in subsection (1)(b) of this section, the remaining balance of unpaid or undischarged principal plus a penalty of five percent (5%) of the unpaid or undischarged principal and interest on the combined principal and penalty shall become due and payable over the remaining period of time as if the option provided for in subsection (1)(a) of this section had been elected upon separation and the conclusion of any applicable grace and deferment periods.

(2) Any person failing to complete a program of study which will enable that person to enter service employment, or failing to obtain any required licensure or additional credentials necessary for that person to enter service employment shall become liable to the board for the sum of all forgivable loan awards made to that person plus a penalty of five percent (5%) of the loan awards and interest on the combined amount accruing at the current unsubsidized Federal Stafford loan rate at the time the person abrogates his participation in the program.

(3) If a claim for payment under this subsection is placed in the hands of a collection agency or an attorney for collection, the obligor shall be liable for an additional amount equal to a reasonable collection commission or attorney's fee as well as any court costs.

(4) The obligations made by the recipient of a forgivable loan award shall not be voidable by reason of the age of the student at the time of receiving the scholarship.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-59-13 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 59-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-59-13
Status: in_force

Where an election has been called, as provided in Section 37-59-11 , notice of such election shall be signed by the president of the school board and shall be published once a week for at least three (3) consecutive weeks, in at least one (1) newspaper published in such school district. The first publication of such notice shall be made not less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the date fixed for such election, and the last publication shall be made not more than seven (7) days prior to such date. If no newspaper is published in such school district, then such notice shall be given by publishing the same for the required time in some newspaper having a general circulation in such school district.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-14-5 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 14-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-14-5
Status: in_force

The Division of Medicaid shall cooperate with the State Department of Education to develop and seek approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for a waiver or grant to cover the services of public school nurses, as allowed by federal law. The division is also authorized to explore other options for administering and providing services under this program, including, but not limited to, matching any available federal funds. The Department of Education shall place particular emphasis on reducing unnecessary paperwork by public school nurses.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-35-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 35-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-35-7
Status: in_force

Any funds that may be appropriated by the State Legislature for the purpose of carrying out a program of adult education may be used to supplement local funds or to meet the minimum requirements of the federal government for a program of adult education in the state, provided such program is conducted under the rules and regulations established by the Mississippi Community College Board.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-181-17 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 181-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-181-17
Status: in_force

(1) An eligible nonpublic school is autonomous and not an agent of the state or federal government and therefore:

(a) The State Department of Education or any other government agency shall not regulate the educational program of a nonpublic school, postsecondary institution or educational service provider that accepts funds from the parent or guardian of a participating student beyond the requirements of the ESA program as promulgated in this chapter;

(b) The creation of the Education Scholarship Account program does not expand the regulatory authority of the state, its officers, or any school district to impose any additional regulation of nonpublic schools, postsecondary institutions or educational service providers beyond those necessary to enforce the requirements of the ESA program; and

(c) Eligible schools, postsecondary institutions and educational service providers shall be given the maximum freedom to provide for the educational needs of their students without governmental control. No eligible school, postsecondary institution or educational service provider shall be required to alter its creed, practices, admission policies or curriculum in order to accept participating students.

(2) Eligible schools, or the parent or guardian who submitted the ESA application, must submit student performance data to the State Department of Education at the end of the school year, including the individual results of the pre-assessment and post-assessment required in Section 37-181-15(f) . The department shall develop a uniformed reporting format for eligible schools to use when submitting assessment results.

(3) In any legal proceeding challenging the application of this chapter to an eligible school, postsecondary institution or educational service provider the state bears the burden of establishing that the law is necessary and does not impose any undue burden on the eligible school, postsecondary institution or educational service provider.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-31-61 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 31-61
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-31-61
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education is hereby authorized and empowered to establish and conduct schools, classes or courses, for preparing, equipping and training citizens of the State of Mississippi for employment in gainful vocational and technical occupations which do not terminate in a bachelors degree, in conjunction with any public school, agricultural high school or community/junior college.

The trustees of such school districts, as classified and defined by law, including those already having this authority, and the trustees of agricultural high schools and community/junior colleges may, with the consent in writing of the State Board of Education, establish and conduct such schools, classes or courses, under the provisions herein stated and under the general supervision of the board.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-73 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 27-73
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-73
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of any such agricultural high school borrowing money pursuant to the authority granted in Section 37-27-69 , is hereby authorized and empowered to fix, maintain and collect fees, rentals and other charges to be paid by students, faculty members and others using, housed in or being served by any building or other housing facility erected or established under the terms and provisions of said section. All such fees, rentals and other charges shall be paid into the debt retirement fund specified in Section 37-27-71 and shall be pledged for the prompt repayment of any and all indebtedness, whether of principal or interest, incurred under the provisions of said section. Nothing in Sections 37-27-69 through 37-27-75 shall be construed to authorize the levying or imposition of any taxes in excess of the limits and amounts which are now or may hereafter be provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-61-27 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 61-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-61-27
Status: in_force

If any member of the school board or the superintendent of schools disbursing and handling school funds shall fail, refuse or neglect to comply with the provisions of Section 37-61-9 , he shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for such failure, refusal or neglect for each offense. In addition thereto, he shall be liable to a penalty of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) recoverable on his official bond by suit filed by any county or district attorney or any interested citizen, upon his official bond.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-131 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 29-131
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-131
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of any community or junior college is hereby authorized and empowered to enter into lease agreements or service contracts with any governmental agency or political subdivision, corporation, partnership, joint venture, or individual under which the college may acquire by lease, lease-purchase or service contract for a primary term not to exceed thirty-five (35) years lands, buildings and related facilities which the board may determine necessary to provide additional facilities, services or educational opportunities to the college, its students, faculty and the community.

Any machinery, furnishings, fixtures and equipment for these facilities and use by the college may be acquired by lease or lease purchase provided that the primary term of such lease shall not exceed the estimated useful economic life of such machinery or equipment.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-259 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 33-259
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-259
Status: in_force

(1) There is created within the department an Advisory Council on Spinal Cord Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries composed of a physician with expertise in areas related to the care and rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries or the prevention of spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, a professional in a clinical rehabilitation setting, a representative designated by the Mississippi Head Injury Association, a representative designated by the Mississippi Paralysis Association, three (3) individuals with spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, and three (3) family members of individuals with spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries.

(2) Members of the council shall be appointed by the Executive Director of the State Department of Rehabilitation Services and shall serve for terms of four (4) years, except that five (5) members of the first appointed council shall serve for two (2) years.

(3) The council shall meet a minimum of twice per year, and members shall be entitled to uniform per diem and travel expenses in accordance with the provisions of Sections 25-3-69 and 25-3-41, Mississippi Code of 1972 .

(4) The council shall provide advice and expertise to the department in the preparation, implementation and periodic review of the coordinated rehabilitation program as set forth in Sections 37-33-251 through 37-33-263 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-111 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 115-111
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-111
Status: in_force

The state building commission is authorized and directed to provide suitable land presently state owned or received as a gift, and buildings to house the school of dentistry; and payment for the construction costs of such buildings shall be made from any money made available to carry out the provisions of Sections 37-115-101 through 37-115-111 . Any funds appropriated or granted from any source shall be put into a fund in the office of the state treasurer to be designated as the “School of Dentistry Fund.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-141-6 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 141-6
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-141-6
Status: in_force

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning shall be authorized to charge state agencies and other entities that occupy portions of the Paul B. Johnson, Jr., Building, the Edsel E. Thrash Universities Center and the ETV Building for utilities, maintenance and security. Entities shall be charged at a rate of One Dollar and Fifty Cents ($1.50) per square foot for services provided by the board.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-102-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 102-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-102-1
Status: in_force

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning may establish off-campus instructional programs for existing universities. However, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning shall not establish off-campus instructional programs if in its opinion such action is not in the best interest of quality education for the State of Mississippi and the university system.

Students at any off-campus program site may, in the discretion of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, be permitted to register for full-time course loads.

Attendance at an off-campus site shall fulfill the residency requirements as if the student had attended class on the parent campus of the university, and there shall be no difference in the standards for work nor quality weight of a degree earned in the off-campus program from that earned at the parent institution.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-237 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 153-237
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-237
Status: in_force

The office shall enter into a grant contract agreement with each recipient of a grant under the program that incorporates the following obligations and conditions:

(a) The recipient of a grant shall commit to serving as a paramedic for three (3) continuous years in the State of Mississippi;

(b) If any recipient of a grant under the program does not engage in serving as a paramedic in accordance with the terms of this article, the recipient shall be obligated to repay the grant amounts received, together with interest thereon at the maximum rate allowed by Mississippi law or the federal discount rate plus five percent (5%) per year, whichever is less, the interest to accrue from the date that each payment of funds was received by the recipient;

(c) No interest shall accrue and there shall be no obligation to repay the principal sums accrued during any one (1) period of time that the recipient involuntarily serves on active duty in the United States Armed Forces; and

(d) Repayment of the principal with interest shall be due and payable in full immediately on the occurrence of either of the following events:

(i) Failure to remain in the State of Mississippi for three (3) continuous years for any reason other than temporary personal illness; or

(ii) Failure to serve as a paramedic on a regularly sustained basis as provided in the eligibility requirements of Section 37-153-235 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-65-15 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 65-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-65-15
Status: in_force

Upon or during any closure of any school, junior college or institution of higher learning in accordance with the terms of this article, the retirement benefits under existing law of any teacher, superintendent, principal or other employee shall in no way be affected by the same or because of the period of time elapsing during which such school, junior college or institution of higher learning may be closed.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-155-17 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 155-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-155-17
Status: in_force

Any interest, dividends or gains accruing on the payments made pursuant to a prepaid tuition contract under the terms of this article shall be excluded from the gross income of any such payor or beneficiary for purposes of the Mississippi Income Tax Law. The payor may deduct from taxable income the amount of any payments made under a prepaid tuition contract in the tax year.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-455 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 29-455
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-455
Status: in_force

The president of the junior college shall have the power to recommend to the trustees all teachers to be employed; and he may remove or suspend any member of the faculty subject to the approval of the trustees. He shall be the general manager of all fiscal and administrative affairs of the district with full authority to select, direct, employ and discharge any and all employees other than teachers; however, the board may make provisions and establish policies for leave for faculty members and other key personnel.

The president shall have the authority, subject to the provisions of Sections 37-29-451 through 37-29-471 and the approval of the trustees, to arrange and survey courses of study, fix schedules, and establish and enforce rules and discipline for the governing of teachers and students. He shall be the general custodian of the property of the district.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-104-25 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 104-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-104-25
Status: in_force

The proceeds of the sale of revenue bonds shall be paid into the State Treasury to the credit of a special fund known as the Educational Facilities Authority Fund; shall be used solely for financing or refinancing of the cost of the educational facility project, except as hereinafter provided, and shall be disbursed to the participating institution of higher learning upon order of the State Treasurer, pursuant to such restrictions, if any, as the bond loan agreement and the resolution authorizing the issuance of the revenue bonds may provide. If the proceeds of the revenue bonds, by error of calculation or otherwise, shall be less than the cost of the educational facility project, unless otherwise provided in the bond loan agreement and the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds, additional revenue bonds may in like manner be issued to provide the amount of such deficit which, unless otherwise provided in the bond loan agreement and the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds, shall be deemed to be of the same issue and shall be entitled to payment from the same fund without preference or priority of the revenue bonds first issued for the same purpose. If the proceeds of the revenue bonds of any issue shall exceed the amount required for the purpose for which the revenue bonds were issued, the surplus shall be paid into a sinking fund, hereinafter established in Section 37-104-31 , for the payment of the principal of and the interest on such revenue bonds.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-144-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 144-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-144-1
Status: in_force

There is established the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program for the purpose of identifying and recruiting qualified university and college students for medical or osteopathic school matriculation. The program shall consist of three (3) distinct phases through which participants will progress, including:

(a) Undergraduate premedical education;

(b) Medical or osteopathic school and residency; and

(c) Post-residency entry into medical practice in a rural or underserved area of the State of Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-9-81 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 9-81
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-9-81
Status: in_force

The school board of a local school district may contract with a person having professional experience in academic, finance or other managerial and operational functions of schools and school districts to serve as a consultant to the school board, superintendent, principals and licensed district and school level administrators in the district. However, any person having experience as a superintendent, principal or other licensed district or school level administrator whose last full-time employment in the field of education was with a school district in Mississippi determined by the State Board of Education to be a failing district is not eligible to serve as a consultant to any school district in the state, including the district at which the person was last employed, for a period of two (2) years following the last date of the person's employment with the failing school district. School districts seeking the services of a consultant shall verify the employment background of any person being considered to provide those services and may not contract with any person who does not meet the qualifications prescribed in this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 106-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be cited as the “Post-Secondary Education Financial Assistance Law of 1975.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-155-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 155-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-155-7
Status: in_force

(1) The board of directors shall consist of thirteen (13) members as follows:

(a) Nine (9) voting members as follows: the State Treasurer; the Commissioner of Higher Education, or his designee; the Executive Director of the Community and Junior College Board, or his designee; the Department of Finance and Administration Executive Director, or his designee; and one (1) member from each Mississippi Supreme Court District and two (2) from the state at large to be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The MPACT Board of Directors, created by former Section 37-155-7, is continued and reconstituted as follows: Effective January 1, 2028, the appointed MPACT Board members shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of office of four (4) years, provided that three (3) such members shall be appointed in 2028 to a term ending December 31, 2031, and two (2) such members shall be appointed in 2030 to a term ending December 31, 2033. Appointments made at the beginning of the four-year cycle shall be made to fill any member's term which actually expires that year and any member's term which expires next until the majority of the membership of the board or commission is reached. Appointments made at the beginning of the third year of the four-year cycle shall be made for the remainder of the membership positions irrespective of the time of their prior appointment. Any question regarding the order of appointments shall be determined by the Secretary of State in accordance with the specific statute. All appointment procedures, vacancy provisions, interim appointment provisions and removal provisions specifically provided for in Section 7-1-35, Mississippi Code of 1972 , shall be fully applicable to appointments to the MPACT Board of Directors. Ex officio members of the board may be represented at official meetings by their deputy, or other designee, and such designees shall have full voting privileges and shall be included in the determination of a quorum for conducting board business.

(b) Two (2) nonvoting, advisory members of the board shall be appointed by each of the following officers: the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(2) Each member appointed shall possess knowledge, skill and experience in business or financial matters commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the trust fund.

(3) Members of the board of directors shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for each day's official duties of the board at the same per diem as established by Section 25-3-69 and actual travel and lodging expenses as established by Section 25-3-41 .

(4) The board of directors shall annually elect one (1) member to serve as chairman of the board and one (1) member to serve as vice chairman. The vice chairman shall act as chairman in the absence of or upon the disability of the chairman or in the event of a vacancy of the office of chairman.

(5) A majority of the currently serving members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the purposes of conducting business and exercising its official powers and duties. Any action taken by the board shall be upon the vote of a majority of the members present.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-145-73 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 145-73
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-145-73
Status: in_force

In addition to any other funds it may establish, the board of trustees may, by resolution, establish one or more special funds pursuant to this section, referred to herein as “guarantee reserve funds,” and may pay into such reserve funds:

(a) Any moneys appropriated and made available by the state for the purposes of such guarantee reserve fund;

(b) Any proceeds from the sale of notes or bonds to the extent provided in the resolutions of the board of trustees authorizing the issuance thereof;

(c) Any moneys which may be made available to the board of trustees from any other sources for the purposes of such guarantee reserve fund; and

(d) Any income or interest earned by, or increment to, any reserve fund due to investment shall be deposited in the reserve fund.

The board of trustees may by resolution provide for the establishment of a guarantee reserve fund requirement for any guarantee reserve fund established pursuant to this section.

The board of trustees shall, on or before January 1 of each year, make and deliver to the Governor of the state a certificate stating the sum, if any, required to restore the guarantee reserve fund to the fund requirement. The Governor shall transmit to the State Legislature a request for the amount, if any, required to restore the guarantee reserve fund to the required funding level. The State Legislature may, but shall not be required to, make any such appropriations so requested. All sums appropriated by the State Legislature for such restoration and paid shall be deposited by the board of trustees in the guarantee reserve fund.

Any moneys appropriated by the State Legislature for the purposes of the guarantee reserve fund established pursuant to this section shall not revert to the General Fund of the state at the end of any fiscal year.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-67-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 67-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-67-1
Status: in_force

(1) This section shall be known and may be cited as the “Distance Learning Collaborative Act of 2016.”

(2) As used in this section:

(a) “ Distance learning ” means a method of delivering education and instruction on an individual basis to students who are not physically present in a traditional setting such as a classroom. Distance learning provides access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both. Distance learning courses that require a physical on-site presence for any reason other than taking examinations may be referred to as hybrid or blended courses of study.

(b) “ Department ” means the Mississippi Department of Education.

(c) A “ distance learning collaborative ” means a school or schools that write and submit an application to participate in the voluntary distance learning program. A distance learning collaborative is comprised, at a minimum, of a public school district, and may include an agency or other nonprofit organization approved by the State Department of Education to provide distance learning resources.

(d) A “ lead partner ” is a public school district or other nonprofit entity with the instructional expertise and operational capacity to manage the Distance Learning Collaborative Program as described in the approved application for funds. The lead partner serves as the fiscal agent for the collaborative and shall disburse awarded funds in accordance with the collaborative's approved application. The lead partner ensures that the collaborative adopts and implements the Distance Learning Collaborative Program consistent with the standards adopted by the State Board of Education. The public school district shall be the lead partner if no other qualifying lead partner is selected.

(3) Effective with the 2016-2017 school year, the Mississippi State Department of Education shall establish a voluntary distance learning grant program which shall be a collaboration among the entities providing distance learning services for students. The Distance Learning Collaborative Program shall provide financial assistance to encourage and improve distance learning education services in rural areas through the use of telecommunications, computer networks and related advanced technologies to be used by students, teachers and rural residents. Grants are for projects where the benefit is primarily delivered to end users who are not at the same location as the source of the education service.

(4) Distance Learning Collaborative Grants may be used to:

(a) Acquire the following types of equipment: (i) computer hardware and software; (ii) audio and video equipment; (iii) computer network components; (iv) terminal equipment; (v) data terminal equipment; (vi) inside wiring; (vii) interactive video equipment; and (viii) other facilities that further distance learning technology services.

(b) Acquire instructional programming for distance learning programs.

(c) Acquire technical assistance and instruction for using eligible equipment.

(d) The cost of tuition and fees for students to participate over and above the available federal Perkins Loans or Stafford Loans which are loaned directly to qualifying students to assist in covering the cost of distance learning funding.

(e) Any interest charges that accumulate during a student's degree program for the utilization of distance learning services.

(5) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated therefor, the State Department of Education shall administer the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the voluntary Distance Learning Collaborative Program, including awards and the application process. The department shall establish a rigorous and transparent application process for the awarding of funds. Lead partners shall submit the application on behalf of their distance learning collaborative. The department will establish monitoring policies and procedures that shall include at least one (1) site visit per year. The department will provide technical assistance to collaboratives and their providers to improve the quality of distance learning services. The department will evaluate the effectiveness of each distance learning collaborative.

(6) Distance Learning Collaborative Program funds shall be awarded to distance learning collaboratives whose proposed programs meet the program criteria established by the State Board of Education which shall include the following:

(a) Distance learning programs shall be approved and registered with the State Department of Education and course content must be aligned with state standards.

(b) Distance learning instructors shall complete professional development training in online methodology and technical aspects of web-based instruction, and may be credentialed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

(c) Transcript equivalency of grades between online and traditional classes. Student enrollment and credits awarded shall be made in accordance with regulations jointly approved by the State Board of Education, the Mississippi Community College Board and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.

(d) Curriculum standards for online courses.

(e) Classroom “seat time” requirements for online courses.

(f) Accountability for student achievement, including methods to assess online course completion rates.

(7) A teacher, assistant teacher or other employee whose salary and fringe benefits are paid from state funds allocated for the Distance Learning Collaborative Program shall only be classified as a state or local school district employee eligible for state health insurance benefits or membership in the Public Employees' Retirement System, if the person's employer is already a public school district or an agency or instrumentality of the state, and the employee would be eligible for such benefits in the normal course of business.

(8) Funding shall be provided for the Distance Learning Collaborative Program beginning with the 2016-2017 fiscal year subject to appropriation by the Legislature, and the Legislature may appropriate funds to implement the program on a phased-in basis. The State Department of Education may receive and expend contributions and funding from private sources for the administration and implementation of the Distance Learning Collaborative Program. In the initial phase of implementation, the State Department of Education shall award state funds based on a community's capacity, commitment and need in order to encourage and improve distance learning services in rural areas. The department shall make an annual report to the Legislature and the Governor regarding the effectiveness of the Distance Learning Collaborative Program, and the PEER Committee shall review those reports and other program data and submit an independent evaluation of the program operation and effectiveness to the Legislature and the Governor on or before October 1 of the calendar year before the beginning of the next phased-in period of funding. The State Department of Education shall reserve no more than five percent (5%) of the appropriation in any year for administrative costs. Funds remaining after awards to distance learning collaboratives may be carried over in the following year.

(9) The lead partner of a distance learning collaborative and the local school district shall compile information about online learning programs for high school students to earn college credit and place the information on its website. Examples of information to be compiled and placed on the website include links to providers of approved online learning programs, comparisons among various types of online programs regarding awarding of credit, advantages and disadvantages of online learning programs, and other general assistance and guidance for students, teachers and counselors in selecting and considering online learning programs. Public high schools shall ensure that teachers and counselors have information about online learning programs for high school students to earn college or university credit and are able to assist parents and students in accessing the information. Distance learning collaboratives shall ensure that parents and students have opportunities to learn about online learning programs under this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-487 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-487
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-487
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a school district may estimate the amount of revenues, as defined herein, to be generated from any parcel or parcels of any type of property within the school district and may irrevocably pledge such revenues to the repayment of any debt or other obligation which the district may issue or incur under Sections 31-7-13(e) , 31-7-14 , 37-7-351 et seq. , 37-7-471 et seq. , 37-7-485 et seq. , 37-59-1 et seq. and 37-59-101 et. seq.

(2) Any district that pledges revenues under the provisions of this section shall annually appropriate an amount of such revenues, other than the avails of any special tax otherwise levied to pay debt service on bonds or notes of the district, to pay the debt or other obligations for which the revenues are pledged. Any debt or obligation secured by a pledge of revenues under this section shall not be subject to any debt limit or annual appropriation limitation imposed by any other statute. To further secure the school district's pledge, the district may irrevocably instruct the appropriate tax assessor or collector to irrevocably transfer on behalf of the district the pledged amount from any ad valorem tax collections, other than any special tax levy specifically imposed to pay debt service on any bonds or notes of the district, directly to a paying agent, trustee or other third party responsible for paying the debt or obligation of the district. Upon receipt of such written instructions, the appropriate tax assessor or collector shall transfer the pledged revenues as directed in writing by the school district.

(3) The term revenues , as used in this section shall mean revenues of all types, including ad valorem tax collections, other than collections from special levies specifically levied to pay debt service on any bonds or notes of the school district, lease or development revenues, and any special development fees imposed by a developer of property within the school district as provided herein.

(4) Any school district may enter into an agreement with a developer pursuant to which the developer agrees to impose a development fee, in the amount and in the manner agreed to by the district and the developer, on property being developed within the district by the developer. The term of any such agreement shall not exceed fifty (50) years. Upon the agreement being recorded in the land records of the chancery clerk of the county in which the property is located, the development fee shall become a lien on the property subject to the agreement between the developer and the district and shall be payable by all owners of the subject property at the same time and in the same manner, and the payment of such fee shall be enforced by the taxing authority in the same manner as other ad valorem taxes levied on the property.

(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed as giving school districts additional debt or to levy any additional taxes other than as allowed by this section or as otherwise provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-133 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 23-133
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-133
Status: in_force

Words and terms, unless otherwise defined below, when used in Sections 37-23-1 through 37-23-159 shall be defined in the same manner as those words and terms used in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1997 Amendments (IDEA), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, applicable federal regulations and relevant court cases:

(a) “ Assistive technology device ” means any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.

(b) “ Assistive technology service ” means any service that directly assists a student with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device. The term includes:

(i) The evaluation of the needs of a student with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the student in his or her customary environment;

(ii) Purchasing, leasing or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by students with disabilities;

(iii) Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing or replacing assistive devices;

(iv) Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;

(v) Training or technical assistance for a student with a disability or, if appropriate, that student's family; and

(vi) Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education or rehabilitation services), employers or other individuals who may provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of students with disabilities.

(c) “ Consent ” means agreement in writing from the parent of a child with a disability pertaining to the activities as required under IDEA and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Local educational agencies shall ensure that the parent:

(i) Has been fully informed of all information relevant to the activity for which consent is required;

(ii) Understands the activity for which consent is requested; and

(iii) Understands that the granting of consent is voluntary and may be revoked at any time prior to the time the activity is conducted.

(d) “ Free appropriate public education ” means special education and related services provided by local educational agencies that:

(i) Have been provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge;

(ii) Meet the standards of the State Department of Education;

(iii) Include an appropriate preschool, elementary, or secondary school education; and

(iv) Are provided in conformity with the individualized education program required under IDEA, applicable federal and state regulations and relevant court cases.

(e) “ Individualized education program ” or “ IEP ” means a written statement for each child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with the requirements under IDEA, applicable federal and state regulations and relevant court cases.

(f) “ Least restrictive environment ” means to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, are educated with children who are not disabled, and special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability of a child is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.

(g) “ Parent ” means a person who is legally responsible for a child's welfare or acting for the child in the absence of the legally responsible person. Parent may also mean a natural parent, a guardian, or a surrogate parent.

(h) “ Related services ” means transportation, and such developmental, corrective, and other supportive services (including speech-language pathology and audiology services, psychological services, physical and occupational therapy, recreation, including therapeutic recreation, social work services, counseling services, including rehabilitation counseling, orientation and mobility services, and medical services, except that such medical services shall be for diagnostic and evaluation purposes only) as may be required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education, and includes the early identification and assessment of disabling conditions in children.

(i) “ Special education ” means specially designed instruction provided by local educational agencies, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, including instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings. This term also includes instruction in physical education.

(j) “ Supplementary aids and services ” means aids, services, and other supports that are provided in regular education classes or other education-related settings to enable children with disabilities to be educated with nondisabled children to the maximum extent appropriate in accordance with the least restrictive environment requirements under IDEA, applicable federal regulations and relevant court cases.

(k) “ Transition services ” means a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability that:

(i) Is designed within an outcome-oriented process, which promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation;

(ii) Is based upon the individual student's needs, taking into account the student's preferences and interests;

(iii) Includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and, when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-437 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 29-437
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-437
Status: in_force

After the budget shall have been prepared as is provided for in Section 37-29-415 , the board of trustees of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College District shall certify the same in writing to the boards of supervisors of the several counties and shall certify to the said boards of supervisors the number of mills of ad valorem taxation required to make provisions for the revenue required in said budget. It shall thereupon become the duty of the board of supervisors of each of the four counties to levy the taxes in the number of mills specified by the board of trustees. The tax levy for maintenance and operation of the district shall not exceed four mills nor shall the levy for capital outlay, including purchase of lands, construction and equipment of buildings and structures, making of major repairs, and for the retirement of bonds, exceed three mills.

Promptly upon having certified the requirements of the district to the several boards of supervisors the board of trustees of the district shall cause publication of notice to be made in each county in a newspaper published or having general circulation therein giving notice of the filing of the request for the levy aforesaid. Said notice shall be published at least one time and within ten days after the certification of the request for such levy to the boards of supervisors. The said notice shall provide that the said levy requested will be made in each county unless a petition signed by twenty percent (20%) of the qualified electors of the district shall be filed with the secretary of the board of trustees of the said district within thirty (30) days from the date of the first publication protesting against the said levy and demanding an election thereon. In the event of the filing of such a petition, it shall be the duty of the secretary forthwith to call a special meeting of the board of trustees of the district setting forth the fact of the filing of such petition in the notice of the call and the said board shall promptly meet and consider the said petition. If it shall find that the same does in fact protest against the said levies and is in fact signed by at least twenty percent (20%) of the qualified electors of the said district, it shall then so certify to the boards of supervisors of the several counties. As early as possible but not later than fifteen (15) days after the receipt of such notice, it shall be the duty of the board of supervisors of each county to enter an order directing the election commissioners of the county to proceed to hold an election in all of the voting precincts of said county to determine whether or not the levy shall be made as requested by the board of trustees of the district.

The said election shall be held within thirty (30) days from the date of the said order of the board of supervisors requesting that the same be called and notice thereof shall be published once a week for three (3) weeks during the period between the order directing the election commissioners to hold the same and the actual date thereof.

The election shall be held in accordance with the laws governing general elections as nearly as is practicable and the election commissioners of each county shall, promptly after the holding of said election, certify to the secretary of the board of trustees of the district the result thereof in each county, certifying also the number of qualified electors in each county on the date of the holding of said election. The board of trustees of the district shall promptly meet and consider the several certificates of the election commissioners and shall determine the result of said election in the district. If it shall be determined that a majority of the qualified electors of the district have voted against the levy requested, the same shall not be made but the board of supervisors in each county shall continue in effect the levy made for the preceding fiscal year. If it be determined that a majority of the qualified electors has not voted against said levy, it shall be the duty of the board of supervisors of each county to make the levy as requested. In any event, the levy for full faith and credit bonds outstanding as obligations of the county before May 10, 1962, for capital outlays and improvements for Perkinston Junior College and/or bonds subsequently issued shall be continued in effect in accordance with the obligations undertaken in the issuance of said bonds. All of such bond levies, however, as are reasonably required to meet the annual maturities and interest on outstanding bonds shall be considered a part of the three mill maximum above provided for capital outlays, buildings, purchase of land and other similar items hereinbefore mentioned.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-173-23 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 173-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-173-23
Status: in_force

Teachers and other school personnel shall be subject to criminal history record checks and fingerprinting requirements applicable to other public schools under Section 37-9-17(2) and (3) .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-105 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 115-105
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-105
Status: in_force

The school of dentistry created and authorized by Sections 37-115-101 through 37-115-111 shall be in operation within three (3) years from the date the legislature makes funds available for the construction of a building to house said school; provided, however, that no staff may be employed and no construction may begin until one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($1,250,000.00) from the City of Jackson and one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($1,250,000.00) from Hinds County has been deposited in the state treasury for use by the building commission in construction and furnishing of the dental school. The board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning is authorized and directed to take any and all necessary and proper actions for the implementation of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-513 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 29-513
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-513
Status: in_force

After the annual budget has been prepared, the board of trustees of the Meridian Junior College District shall certify the same in writing to the city council of the City of Meridian and shall certify to the number of mills of ad valorem taxation required to make provisions for the revenue required in said budget. It shall thereupon become the duty of the City of Meridian to levy taxes upon the Meridian Junior College District in the amount specified by the board of trustees. The tax levy for maintenance and operation of the Meridian Junior College District shall not exceed three (3) mills nor shall the levy for construction exceed an additional three (3) mills.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-33 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 33-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-33
Status: in_force

Budget estimates of the amount of appropriations needed each fiscal year for vocational rehabilitation services and for the administration of said program shall be submitted in such manner as may be provided by law, and sufficient funds for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the Vocational Rehabilitation Law shall be appropriated by the legislature. In the event federal funds are available to the State of Mississippi for vocational rehabilitation purposes, the division of vocational rehabilitation is authorized to comply with such requirements as may be necessary to obtain said federal funds in the maximum amount and most advantageous proportion possible insofar as this may be done without violating other provisions of the state law and constitution. In the event the national congress fails in any year to appropriate funds for grants-in-aid to the state for vocational rehabilitation purposes, the state legislature shall appropriate such funds as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of said law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-111-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 111-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-111-7
Status: in_force

Organizations of the character designated in Section 37-111-1 shall be permitted to hold their regular meetings for academic, social or business purposes in such places as the authorities may agree upon. Such organizations shall not be permitted to purchase, lease, or as an organization live within a domicile especially set apart for their purpose at any time, except under such regulations as shall be prescribed by the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-31-207 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 31-207
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-31-207
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education shall have the following duties:

(a) To seek the best available projections of employment and occupations for Mississippians;

(b) To utilize these projections and other considerations to set vocational and technical education priorities;

(c) To utilize the services of all state agencies having information regarding the purposes of this chapter;

(d) To cooperate with the governor's office of job development and training and the board of economic development to prevent duplication and provide continuity of employment and training services;

(e) To conduct evaluations of the success or failure of vocational-technical programs, including the extent to which training actually leads to jobs in the field in which the student was trained;

(f) Obtain and publish data and information on program performance from those vocational-technical programs receiving state funds; and

(g) To notify local school districts and public community/junior colleges prior to March 1 annually of any discontinuation of ongoing vocational programs which would affect the renewing of contracts with vocational personnel.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-15 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 106-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-15
Status: in_force

The earned interest paid into the post-secondary education assistance fund as provided in Section 37-106-13 shall be utilized to finance the cost of administration of this chapter. All remaining interest after payment of such administrative expenses shall be utilized to provide additional loans.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-147 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 23-147
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-147
Status: in_force

(1) The State Department of Education shall establish goals for the performance of students with disabilities that will promote the purpose of IDEA and are consistent, to the maximum extent appropriate, with other goals and standards for students established by the State Department of Education. Performance indicators used to assess progress toward achieving those goals that, at a minimum, address the performance of students with disabilities on assessments, drop-out rates, and graduation rates shall be developed. Every two (2) years, the progress toward meeting the established performance goals shall be reported to the public.

(2) To encourage the full inclusion of students with disabilities in all aspects of academic and extracurricular activities, the State Department of Education may provide special recognition to the schools receiving such designation and their school districts. Examples of such recognition may include, but not be limited to: public announcements and events, certificates of recognition and plaques for teachers, principals, superintendents and parents, and media announcements utilizing the services of Mississippi Educational Television. This special recognition may be awarded to elementary, middle or high schools, based on entries submitted to the Mississippi Special Education Advisory Panel by the deadline to be determined annually by the panel. These entries shall be in the form of a report, listing the name, address and telephone number of the school district/school; teacher or staff responsible for administering the program; type of position held by each of these employees including credentials; description of the program; number of students with disabilities included; type and level of severity of disabilities; number of students without disabilities involved in the program; how long the program has been in operation; benefit of program to all students; and a description of how this program could be replicated by other school districts. Winners of the Exemplary Inclusion Program contest shall be chosen annually by the Mississippi Special Education Advisory Panel at a date determined by the panel.

Recognition may be given to these schools during a meeting of the Mississippi State Board of Education at a date determined by the board. Information on these exemplary programs shall be provided to other school districts and the general public through news releases, the state department website, and other similar avenues.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-159-9 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 159-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-159-9
Status: in_force

(1) There is established the University Assisted Teacher Recruitment and Retention Grant Program within the State Department of Education. The purposes of the program shall be to attract additional qualified teachers to those geographical areas of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers and to retain the qualified teachers already serving as licensed teachers in geographical critical teacher shortage areas by making available scholarships to persons working towards a Master of Education degree or an Educational Specialist degree at an institution of higher learning whose teacher education program is approved by the State Board of Education.

(2) Any institution of higher learning in the State of Mississippi which offers a Master of Education degree or an Educational Specialist degree may apply to the department for participation in the program. As part of the program, participating institutions shall collaborate with the Mississippi Teacher Center to identify, recruit and place teacher education graduates, from both within the state and out of state, in school districts situated within those areas of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as designated by the State Board of Education.

(3) The State Department of Education shall provide funds to participating institutions of higher learning for the purpose of awarding scholarships to qualified persons pursuing a Master of Education degree or an Educational Specialist degree at such institutions while rendering service to the state as a licensed teacher in a school district in a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as approved by the State Board of Education. The financial scholarship shall be applied to the total cost for tuition, books, materials and fees at the institution in which the student is enrolled, not to exceed an amount equal to the highest total cost of tuition, books, materials and fees assessed by a state institution of higher learning during that school year. Teachers who relocate within Mississippi from out of state in order to participate in the program shall be classified as residents of the state for tuition purposes.

(4) Students awarded financial scholarships under the University Assisted Teacher Recruitment and Retention Grant Program may receive such awards for a maximum of four (4) school years; however, the maximum number of awards which may be made shall not exceed the length of time required to complete the number of academic hours necessary to obtain a Master of Education degree or an Educational Specialist degree. Financial scholarships under the program shall not be based upon an applicant's eligibility for financial aid.

(5) Persons relocating to a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as approved by the State Board of Education, to participate in the University Assisted Teacher Recruitment and Retention Grant Program shall be eligible for reimbursement for their moving expenses to the critical teacher shortage area from the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the administration of the relocation expense reimbursement component of the University Assisted Teacher Recruitment and Retention Grant Program.

(6) Subject to the availability of funds, the State Board of Education may provide for professional development and support services as may be necessary for the retention of teachers participating in the program in those geographical areas of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers.

(7) Any person participating in the program who fails to complete a program of study that will enable that person to obtain a Master of Education degree or Educational Specialist degree shall become liable immediately to the State Board of Education for the sum of all awards made to that person under the program, plus interest accruing at the current Stafford Loan rate at the time the person abrogates his participation in the program.

(8) As a condition for participation in the program, a teacher shall agree to employment as a licensed teacher in a school district located in a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as designated by the State Board of Education, for a period of not less than three (3) years, which shall include those years of service rendered while obtaining the Master of Education degree or Educational Specialist degree. However, for any person who obtained a Baccalaureate degree in education with a financial scholarship under the Critical Needs Teacher Scholarship Program and who entered the University Assisted Teacher Recruitment and Retention Grant Program before rendering service as a teacher, the period of employment for the purposes of this subsection shall be two (2) years, in addition to the employment commitment required under the Critical Needs Teacher Scholarship Program. Service rendered by a participant as a licensed teacher in a school district in a geographical critical teacher shortage area before that teacher becomes a participant in the program may not be considered to fulfill the employment commitment required under this subsection. Any person failing to comply with this employment commitment in any required school year shall immediately be in breach of contract and become liable immediately to the State Department of Education for the sum of all scholarships awarded and relocation expenses granted to that person, less one-third ( 1 / 3 ) of the amount of that sum for each year that service was rendered, or for those persons whose required period of employment is two (2) years, less one-half ( 1 / 2 ) of the amount of that sum for each year that service was rendered, plus interest accruing at the current Stafford Loan rate at the time the breach occurs, except in the case of a deferral for cause by the State Board of Education when there is no employment position immediately available upon the teacher's obtaining of the Master of Education degree or Educational Specialist degree. After the period of such deferral, the person shall begin or resume the required teaching duties or shall become liable to the board under this subsection. If a claim for repayment under this subsection is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection after default, then the obligor shall be liable for an additional amount equal to a reasonable attorney's fee.

(9) All funds received by the State Department of Education from the repayment of scholarship awards and relocation expenses by program participants shall be deposited in the Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Fund.

(10) The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the proper administration of the University Assisted Teacher Recruitment and Retention Grant Program.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-12-9 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 12-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-12-9
Status: in_force

(1) To ensure that the school district does not discriminate against a student's publicly stated voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, and to eliminate any actual or perceived affirmative school sponsorship or attribution to the district of a student's expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, a school district shall adopt a policy, which must include the establishment of a limited public forum for student speakers at all school events at which a student is to publicly speak. The policy regarding the limited public forum must also require the school district to:

(a) Provide the forum in a manner that does not discriminate against a student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject;

(b) Provide a method, based on neutral criteria, for the selection of student speakers at school events and graduation ceremonies;

(c) Ensure that a student speaker does not engage in obscene, vulgar, offensively lewd or indecent speech; and

(d) State, in writing, orally, or both, that the student's speech does not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position or expression of the district.

(2) The school district disclaimer required by subsection (1)(d) of this section must be provided at all graduation ceremonies. The school district must also continue to provide the disclaimer at any other event in which a student speaks publicly for as long as a need exists to dispel confusion over the district's nonsponsorship of the student's speech.

(3) Student expression on an otherwise permissible subject may not be excluded from the limited public forum because the subject is expressed from a religious viewpoint.

(4) All school districts shall adopt and implement a local policy regarding a limited public forum and voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints. If a school district voluntarily adopts and follows the model policy governing voluntary religious expression in public schools as provided by subsection (5) of this section, the district is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter covered by the model policy.

(5) Model policy governing voluntary religious expression in public schools. In this section, “ model policy ” means a local policy adopted by the school district that is substantially similar to the following:

ARTICLE I

STUDENT EXPRESSION OF RELIGIOUS VIEWPOINTS

The school district shall treat a student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the district treats a student's voluntary expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject and may not discriminate against the student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the student on an otherwise permissible subject.

ARTICLE II

STUDENT SPEAKERS AT NONGRADUATION EVENTS

The school district hereby creates a limited public forum for student speakers at all school events at which a student is to publicly speak. For each speaker, the district shall set a maximum time limit reasonable and appropriate to the occasion. Student speakers shall introduce:

(a) Football games;

(b) Any other athletic events designated by the district;

(c) Opening announcements and greetings for the school day; and

(d) Any additional events designated by the district, which may include, without limitation, assemblies and pep rallies.

The forum shall be limited in the manner provided by this article.

Only those students in the highest two (2) grade levels of the school and who hold one (1) of the following positions of honor based on neutral criteria are eligible to use the limited public forum: student council officers, class officers of the highest grade level in the school, captains of the football team, and other students holding positions of honor as the school district may designate.

An eligible student shall be notified of the student's eligibility, and a student who wishes to participate as an introducing speaker shall submit the student's name to the student council or other designated body during an announced period of not less than three (3) days. The announced period may be at the beginning of the school year, at the end of the preceding school year so student speakers are in place for the new year, or, if the selection process will be repeated each semester, at the beginning of each semester or at the end of the preceding semester so speakers are in place for the next semester. The names of the volunteering student speakers shall be randomly drawn until all names have been selected, and the names shall be listed in the order drawn. Each selected student will be matched chronologically to the event for which the student will be giving the introduction. Each student may speak for one (1) week at a time for all introductions of events that week, or rotate after each speaking event, or otherwise as determined by the district. The list of student speakers shall be chronologically repeated as needed, in the same order. The district may repeat the selection process each semester rather than once a year.

The subject of the student introductions must be related to the purpose of the event and to the purpose of marking the opening of the event, honoring the occasion, the participants, and those in attendance, bringing the audience to order, and focusing the audience on the purpose of the event. The subject must be designated, a student must stay on the subject, and the student may not engage in obscene, vulgar, offensively lewd or indecent speech. The school district shall treat a student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the district treats a student's voluntary expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject and may not discriminate against the student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the student on an otherwise permissible subject.

For as long as there is a need to dispel confusion over the nonsponsorship of the student's speech at each event in which a student will deliver an introduction, a disclaimer shall be stated in written or oral form, or both, such as, “The student giving the introduction for this event is a volunteering student selected on neutral criteria to introduce the event. The content of the introduction is the private expression of the student and does not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position or expression of the school district.”

Certain students who have attained special positions of honor in the school have traditionally addressed school audiences from time to time as a tangential component of their achieved positions of honor, such as the captains of various sports teams, student council officers, class officers, homecoming kings and queens, prom kings and queens, and the like, and have attained their positions based on neutral criteria. Nothing in this policy eliminates the continuation of the practice of having these students, irrespective of grade level, address school audiences in the normal course of their respective positions. The school district shall create a limited public forum for the speakers and shall treat a student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the district treats a student's voluntary expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject and may not discriminate against the student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the student on an otherwise permissible subject.

ARTICLE III

STUDENT SPEAKERS AT GRADUATION CEREMONIES

The school district hereby creates a limited public forum consisting of an opportunity for a student to speak to begin graduation ceremonies and another student to speak to end graduation ceremonies. For each speaker, the district shall set a maximum time limit reasonable and appropriate to the occasion.

The forum shall be limited in the manner provided by this article.

Only students who are graduating and who hold one (1) of the following neutral criteria positions of honor shall be eligible to use the limited public forum: student council officers, class officers of the graduating class, the top three (3) academically ranked graduates, or a shorter or longer list of student leaders as the school district may designate. A student who will otherwise have a speaking role in the graduation ceremonies is ineligible to give the opening and closing remarks. The names of the eligible volunteering students will be randomly drawn. The first name drawn will give the opening and the second name drawn will give the closing.

The topic of the opening and closing remarks must be related to the purpose of the graduation ceremony and to the purpose of marking the opening and closing of the event, honoring the occasion, the participants, and those in attendance, bringing the audience to order, and focusing the audience on the purpose of the event.

In addition to the students giving the opening and closing remarks, certain other students who have attained special positions of honor based on neutral criteria, including, without limitation, the valedictorian, will have speaking roles at graduation ceremonies. For each speaker, the school district shall set a maximum time limit reasonable and appropriate to the occasion and to the position held by the speaker. For this purpose, the district creates a limited public forum for these students to deliver the addresses. The subject of the addresses must be related to the purpose of the graduation ceremony, marking and honoring the occasion, honoring the participants and those in attendance, and the student's perspective on purpose, achievement, life, school, graduation, and looking forward to the future.

The subject must be designated for each student speaker, the student must stay on the subject, and the student may not engage in obscene, vulgar, offensively lewd or indecent speech. The school district shall treat a student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the district treats a student's voluntary expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject and may not discriminate against the student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the student on an otherwise permissible subject.

A written disclaimer shall be printed in the graduation program that states, “The students who will be speaking at the graduation ceremony were selected based on neutral criteria to deliver messages of the students' own choices. The content of each student speaker's message is the private expression of the individual student and does not reflect any position or expression of the school district or the board of trustees, or the district's administration, or employees of the district, or the views of any other graduate. The contents of these messages were prepared by the student volunteers, and the district refrained from any interaction with student speakers regarding the student speakers' viewpoints on permissible subjects.”

ARTICLE IV

RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION IN CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

Students may express the students' beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of the students' submission. Homework and classroom work shall be judged by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance and against other legitimate pedagogical concerns identified by the school. Students may not be penalized or rewarded on account of religious content. If a teacher's assignment involves writing a poem, the work of a student who submits a poem in the form of a prayer (for example, a psalm) should be judged on the basis of academic standards, including literary quality, and not penalized or rewarded on account of its religious content.

ARTICLE V

FREEDOM TO ORGANIZE RELIGIOUS GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES

Students may organize prayer groups, religious clubs, “see you at the pole” gatherings, and other religious gatherings before, during and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other noncurricular student activities and groups. Religious groups must be given the same access to school facilities for assembling as is given to other noncurricular groups, without discrimination based on the religious content of the group's expression. If student groups that meet for nonreligious activities are permitted to advertise or announce the groups' meetings, for example, by advertising in a student newspaper, putting up posters, making announcements on a student activities bulletin board or public address system, or handing out leaflets, school authorities may not discriminate against groups that meet for prayer or other religious speech. School authorities may disclaim sponsorship of noncurricular groups and events, provided they administer the disclaimer in a manner that does not favor or disfavor groups that meet to engage in prayer or other religious speech.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-9 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 45-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-9
Status: in_force

The members of the commission shall receive a per diem, mileage and expenses as is authorized by law per day for each day spent in attending meetings of the commission and in performing such other duties as may be required of them by law or the directives of the commission. However, except for regular or called meetings no member shall receive per diem, mileage or other expenses in performing duties unless such duties shall have been directed by an order duly entered on the minutes of a meeting of the commission prior to the performance thereof.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-177-19 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 177-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-177-19
Status: in_force

(1) The State Board of Education shall adopt such policies, rules and regulations as may be necessary for the implementation of this chapter.

(2) The State Department of Education shall provide such technical assistance and training of teachers/administrators as may be needed to aid local school districts in administering the provisions of this chapter.

(3) Each local school district must include provisions required by this chapter as an addition to the district's published handbook of policy for employees and students beginning in school year 2013-2014.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-25-27 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 25-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-25-27
Status: in_force

Funds expended under authority of this chapter shall be paid by the state treasurer out of the driver training penalty assessment fund or other funds used in administering this chapter, upon warrants issued by the state auditor of public accounts. The said auditor shall issue his warrant upon requisition signed by the proper person, officer or officers in the manner provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-47-65 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 47-65
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-47-65
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a school district from issuing its bonds, negotiable notes, or certificates of indebtedness for the purposes, in the manner, to the extent, and subject to the limitations provided by Sections 37-59-1 through 37-59-45 , or any other applicable sections, and the authority granted by this chapter shall be construed as being additional, supplemental, and cumulative thereto. The proceeds of the sale of any such bonds, negotiable notes, or certificates of indebtedness so issued by any such school district may be used for the purpose for which they were issued and may be expended in conjunction with funds provided by the state educational finance commission under the provisions of this chapter, or may be expended without such funds, if same be not available.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-189-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 189-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-189-1
Status: in_force

The Governor is authorized and directed to execute the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact on behalf of this state with any other state or states legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows:

ARTICLE I

PURPOSE

The purpose of this compact is to facilitate the mobility of teachers across the member states with the goal of supporting teachers through a new pathway to licensure. Through this compact, the member states seek to establish a collective regulatory framework which expedites and enhances the ability of teachers from a variety of backgrounds to move across state lines. This compact is intended to achieve the following objectives, as applied in the State of Mississippi, and shall be interpreted according to Mississippi law. The member states hereby ratify the same intentions by subscribing hereto:

A. Create a streamlined pathway to licensure mobility for teachers;

B. Support the relocation of eligible military spouses;

C. Facilitate and enhance the exchange of licensure information between the member states;

D. Enhance the power of state and district-level education officials to hire qualified, competent teachers by removing barriers to the employment of out-of-state teachers;

E. Support the retention of teachers in the profession by removing barriers to relicensure in a new state; and

F. Maintain state sovereignty in the regulation of the teaching profession.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

As used in this compact, and except as otherwise provided, the following definitions shall govern the terms herein:

A. “ Active military member ” means any person with full-time duty status in the Armed Forces of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve.

B. “ Adverse action ” means any limitation or restriction imposed by a member state's licensing authority, such as revocation, suspension, reprimand, probation or limitation on the licensee's ability to work as a teacher.

C. “ Bylaws ” means those bylaws established by the Commission.

D. “ Career and technical education license ” means a current, valid authorization issued by a member state's licensing authority allowing an individual to serve as a teacher in P-12 public educational settings in a specific career and technical education area.

E. “ Charter member states ” means a member state that has enacted legislation to adopt this compact where such legislation predates the initial meeting of the Commission after the effective date of the compact.

F. “ Commission ” means the interstate administrative body which membership consists of delegates of all states that have enacted this compact, and which is known as the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact Commission.

G. “ Commissioner ” means the delegate of a member state.

H. “ Eligible license ” means a license to engage in the teaching profession which requires at least a bachelor's degree and the completion of a state-approved program for teacher licensure.

I. “ Eligible military spouse ” means the spouse of any individual in full-time duty status in the active Armed Forces of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve moving as a result of a military mission or military career progression requirements or are on their terminal move as a result of separation or retirement (to include surviving spouses of deceased military members).

J. “ Executive committee ” means a group of Commissioners elected or appointed to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to them by, the Commission as provided for herein.

K. “ Licensing authority ” means an official, agency, board, or other entity of a state that is responsible for the licensing and regulation of teachers authorized to teach in P-12 public educational settings.

L. “ Member state ” means any state that has adopted this compact, including all agencies and officials of such a state.

M. “ Receiving state ” means any state where a teacher has applied for licensure under this compact.

N. “ Rule ” means any regulation promulgated by the Commission under this compact, which shall have the force of law in each member state. As applied in the State of Mississippi, such rules shall only be binding and have the force of law if consistent with Mississippi law.

O. “ State ” means a state, territory, or possession of the United States, and the District of Columbia.

P. “ State practice laws ” means a member state's laws, rules, and regulations that govern the teaching profession, define the scope of such profession, and create the methods and grounds for imposing discipline.

Q. “ State specific requirements ” means a requirement for licensure covered in coursework or examination that includes content of unique interest to the state.

R. “ Teacher ” means an individual who currently holds an authorization from a member state that forms the basis for employment in the P-12 public schools of the state to provide instruction in a specific subject area, grade level or student population.

S. “ Unencumbered license ” means a current, valid authorization issued by a member state's licensing authority allowing an individual to serve as a teacher in P-12 public educational settings. An unencumbered license is not a restricted, probationary, provisional, substitute or temporary credential.

ARTICLE III

LICENSURE UNDER THE COMPACT

A. Licensure under this compact pertains only to the initial grant of a license by the receiving state. Nothing herein applies to any subsequent or ongoing compliance requirements that a receiving state might require for teachers.

B. Each member state shall, in accordance with rules of the commission, define, compile and update, as necessary, a list of eligible licenses and career and technical education licenses that the member state is willing to consider for equivalency under this compact and provide the list to the commission. The list shall include those licenses that a receiving state is willing to grant teachers from other member states, pending a determination of equivalency by the receiving state's licensing authority.

C. Upon the receipt of an application for licensure by a teacher holding an unencumbered license, the receiving state shall determine which of the receiving state's eligible licenses the teacher is qualified to hold and shall grant such a license or licenses to the applicant. Such a determination shall be made in the sole discretion of the receiving state's licensing authority and may include a determination that the applicant is not eligible for any of the receiving state's licenses. For all teachers who hold an unencumbered license, the receiving state shall grant one or more unencumbered licenses that, in the receiving state's sole discretion, are equivalent to the license held by the teacher in any other member state.

D. For active duty military members and eligible military spouses who hold a license that is not unencumbered, the receiving state shall grant an equivalent license or licenses that, in the receiving state's sole discretion, is equivalent to the license or licenses held by the teacher in any other member state, except where the receiving state does not have an equivalent license.

E. For a teacher holding an unencumbered career and technical education license, the receiving state shall grant an unencumbered license equivalent to the career and technical education license held by the applying teacher and issued by another member state, as determined by the receiving state in its sole discretion, except where a career and technical education teacher does not hold a bachelor's degree and the receiving state requires a bachelor's degree for licenses to teach career and technical education. A receiving state may require career and technical education teachers to meet state industry recognized requirements, if required by law in the receiving state.

ARTICLE IV

LICENSURE NOT UNDER THE COMPACT

A. Except as provided in Article III, nothing in this compact shall be construed to limit or inhibit the power of a member state to regulate licensure or endorsements overseen by the member state's licensing authority.

B. When a teacher is required to renew a license received pursuant to this compact, the state granting such a license may require the teacher to complete state-specific requirements as a condition of licensure renewal or advancement in that state.

C. For purposes of determining compensation, a receiving state may require additional information from teachers receiving a license under the provisions of this compact.

D. Nothing in this compact shall be construed to limit the power of a member state to control and maintain ownership of its information pertaining to teachers or limit the application of a member state's laws or regulations governing the ownership, use or dissemination of information pertaining to teachers.

E. Nothing in this compact shall be construed to invalidate or alter any existing agreement or other cooperative arrangement which a member state may already be a party to or limit the ability of a member state to participate in any future agreement or other cooperative arrangement to:

1. Award teaching licenses or other benefits based on additional professional credentials, including, but not limited to, National Board Certification;

2. Participate in the exchange of names of teachers whose license has been subject to an adverse action by a member state; or

3. Participate in any agreement or cooperative arrangement with a nonmember state.

ARTICLE V

TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

FOR LICENSURE UNDER THE COMPACT

A. Except as provided for active military members or eligible military spouses under Article III D, a teacher may only be eligible to receive a license under this compact where that teacher holds an unencumbered license in a member state.

B. A teacher eligible to receive a license under this compact shall, unless otherwise provided herein:

1. As the compact is applied in Mississippi, upon their application to receive a license under this compact and receipt of an employment offer by a school district, undergo a criminal background check in the receiving state in accordance with the laws and regulations of the receiving state; and

2. Provide the receiving state with information in addition to the information required for licensure for the purposes of determining compensation, if applicable.

ARTICLE VI

DISCIPLINE AND ADVERSE ACTIONS

A. Nothing in this compact shall be deemed or construed to limit the authority of a member state to investigate or impose disciplinary measures on teachers according to the state practice laws thereof.

B. Member states shall be authorized to receive, and shall provide, files and information regarding the investigation and discipline, if any, of teachers in other member states upon request. Any member state receiving such information or files shall protect and maintain the security and confidentiality thereof, in at least the same manner that it maintains its own investigatory or disciplinary files and information. Prior to disclosing any disciplinary or investigatory information received from another member state, the disclosing state shall communicate its intention and purpose for such disclosure to the member state which originally provided that information.

ARTICLE VII

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INTERSTATE TEACHER MOBILITY

COMPACT COMMISSION

A. The interstate compact member states hereby create and establish a joint public agency known as the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact Commission:

1. The Commission is a joint interstate governmental agency comprised of states that have enacted the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact; and

2. Nothing in this compact shall be construed to be a waiver of sovereign immunity.

B. Membership, Voting, and Meetings

1. Each member state shall have and be limited to one (1) delegate to the Commission, who shall be given the title of Commissioner.

2. The Commissioner shall be the primary administrative officer of the state licensing authority or their designee.

3. Any Commissioner may be removed or suspended from office as provided by the law of the state from which the Commissioner is appointed.

4. The member state shall fill any vacancy occurring in the Commission within ninety (90) days.

5. Each Commissioner shall be entitled to one (1) vote about the promulgation of rules and creation of bylaws and shall otherwise have an opportunity to participate in the business and affairs of the Commission. A Commissioner shall vote in person or by such other means as provided in the bylaws. The bylaws may provide for Commissioners' participation in meetings by telephone or other means of communication.

6. The Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional meetings shall be held as set forth in the bylaws.

7. The Commission shall establish, by rule, a term of office for Commissioners.

C. The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:

1. Establish a Code of Ethics for the Commission;

2. Establish the fiscal year of the Commission;

3. Establish bylaws for the Commission;

4. Maintain its financial records in accordance with the bylaws of the Commission;

5. Meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this interstate compact, the bylaws and rules of the Commission;

6. Promulgate uniform rules to implement and administer this interstate compact. The rules shall have the force and effect of law and shall be binding in all member states, except that in Mississippi, the rules shall only be binding if consistent with Mississippi law. In the event the Commission exercises its rulemaking authority in a manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of the compact, or the powers granted hereunder, then such an action by the Commission shall be invalid and have no force and effect of law;

7. Bring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in the name of the Commission, provided that the standing of any member state licensing authority to sue or be sued under applicable law shall not be affected;

8. Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;

9. Borrow, accept or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, employees of a member state, or an associated nongovernmental organization that is open to membership by all states;

10. Hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define duties, grant such individuals appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the compact, and establish the Commission's personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and other related personnel matters;

11. Lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations of, or otherwise own, hold, improve, or use, any property, real, personal or mixed, provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety;

12. Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon or otherwise dispose of any property real, personal or mixed;

13. Establish a budget and make expenditures;

14. Borrow money;

15. Appoint committees, including standing committees composed of members and such other interested persons as may be designated in this interstate compact, rules or bylaws;

16. Provide and receive information from, and cooperate with, law enforcement agencies;

17. Establish and elect an Executive Committee;

18. Establish and develop a charter for an Executive Information Governance Committee to advise on facilitating exchange of information, use of information, data privacy and technical support needs, and provide reports as needed;

19. Perform such other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this interstate compact consistent with the state regulation of teacher licensure; and

20. Determine whether a state's adopted language is materially different from the model compact language such that the state would not qualify for participation in the compact.

D. The Executive Committee of the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact Commission

1. The Executive Committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the Commission according to the terms of this interstate compact;

2. The Executive Committee shall be composed of eight (8) voting members:

a. The Commission chair, vice chair and treasurer; and

b. Five (5) members who are elected by the Commission from the current membership:

i. Four (4) voting members representing geographic regions in accordance with commission rules; and

ii. One (1) at-large voting member in accordance with commission rules;

3. The Commission may add or remove members of the Executive Committee as provided in commission rules;

4. The Executive Committee shall meet at least once annually;

5. The Executive Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Recommend to the entire Commission changes to the rules or bylaws, changes to the compact legislation, fees paid by interstate compact member states such as annual dues, and any compact fee charged by the member states on behalf of the Commission. As applied in Mississippi, implementation of any recommendation or rules or bylaws related to annual dues shall be subject to appropriation by the Legislature;

b. Ensure Commission administration services are appropriately provided, contractual or otherwise;

c. Prepare and recommend the budget;

d. Maintain financial records on behalf of the Commission;

e. Monitor compliance of member states and provide reports to the Commission; and

f. Perform other duties as provided in rules or bylaws.

6. Meetings of the Commission

a. All meetings shall be open to the public, and public notice of meetings shall be given in accordance with Commission bylaws;

b. The Commission or the Executive Committee or other committees of the Commission may convene in a closed, nonpublic meeting if the Commission or Executive Committee or other committees of the Commission must discuss:

i. Noncompliance of a member state with its obligations under the compact;

ii. The employment, compensation, discipline or other matters, practices or procedures related to specific employees or other matters related to the Commission's internal personnel practices and procedures;

iii. Current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation;

iv. Negotiation of contracts for the purchase, lease or sale of goods, services or real estate;

v. Accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person;

vi. Disclosure of trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;

vii. Disclosure of information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

viii. Disclosure of investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes;

ix. Disclosure of information related to any investigative reports prepared by or on behalf of or for use of the Commission or other committee charged with responsibility of investigation or determination of compliance issues pursuant to the compact;

x. Matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or member state statute; and

xi. Others matters as set forth by Commission bylaws and rules;

c. If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed pursuant to this provision, the Commission's legal counsel or designee shall certify that the meeting may be closed and shall reference each relevant exempting provision; and

d. The Commission shall keep minutes of Commission meetings and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the views expressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the Commission or order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

7. Financing of the Commission

a. The Commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization and ongoing activities;

b. The Commission may accept all appropriate donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, and receive, utilize and dispose of the same, provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest;

c. The Commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state or impose fees on other parties to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Commission, in accordance with the commission rules, but the requirement to pay the assessment in Mississippi, shall be subject to appropriation by the Legislature;

d. The Commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Commission pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by and with the authority of the member state; and

e. The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject to accounting procedures established under Commission bylaws. All receipts and disbursements of funds of the Commission shall be reviewed annually in accordance with Commission bylaws, and a report of the review shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Commission.

8. Qualified Immunity, Defense and Indemnification

a. The members, officers, executive director, employees and representatives of the Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury or liability caused by the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.

b. The Commission shall defend any member, officer, executive director, employee or representative of the Commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from retaining his or her own counsel; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from that person's intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.

c. The Commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer, executive director, employee or representative of the Commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.

ARTICLE VIII

RULEMAKING

A. The Commission shall exercise its rulemaking powers pursuant to the criteria set forth in this interstate compact and the rules adopted thereunder. Rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each rule or amendment, provided that as applied in the State of Mississippi, the rules shall only be binding if consistent with Mississippi law.

B. The Commission shall promulgate reasonable rules to achieve the intent and purpose of this interstate compact. In the event the Commission exercises its rulemaking authority in a manner that is beyond purpose and intent of this interstate compact, or the powers granted hereunder, then such an action by the Commission shall be invalid and have no force and effect of law in the member states.

C. If a majority of the legislatures of the member states rejects a rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact within four (4) years of the date of adoption of the rule, then such rule shall have no further force and effect in any member state.

D. Rules or amendments to the rules shall be adopted or ratified at a regular or special meeting of the Commission in accordance with commission rules and bylaws.

E. Upon determination that an emergency exists, the Commission may consider and adopt an emergency rule with forty-eight (48) hours' notice, with opportunity to comment, provided that the usual rulemaking procedures shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of the rule. For the purposes of this provision, an emergency rule is one that must be adopted immediately in order to:

1. Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare;

2. Prevent a loss of Commission or member state funds;

3. Meet a deadline for the promulgation of an administrative rule that is established by federal law or rule; or

4. Protect public health and safety.

F. As applied in the State of Mississippi, if a rule or amendment promulgated by the Commission conflicts with Mississippi law, Mississippi law shall control and the rule or amendment promulgated by the Commission shall have no effect.

ARTICLE IX

FACILITATING INFORMATION EXCHANGE

A. The Commission shall provide for facilitating the exchange of information to administer and implement the provisions of this compact in accordance with the rules of the Commission, consistent with generally accepted data protection principles and federal and state law.

B. Nothing in this compact shall be deemed or construed to alter, limit or inhibit the power of a member state to control and maintain ownership of its licensee information or alter, limit or inhibit the laws or regulations governing licensee information in the member state.

ARTICLE X

OVERSIGHT, DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ENFORCEMENT

A. Oversight

1. The executive and judicial branches of state government in each member state shall enforce this compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact's purposes and intent, provided that as applied in the State of Mississippi, the compact shall only be binding if consistent with Mississippi law. The provisions of this compact shall have standing as statutory law, provided that as applied in the State of Mississippi, the compact shall only be binding if consistent with Mississippi law.

2. Venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the Commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the Commission is located. The Commission may waive venue and jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Nothing herein shall affect or limit the selection or propriety of venue in any action against a licensee for professional malpractice, misconduct or any such similar matter.

3. All courts and all administrative agencies shall take judicial notice of the compact, the rules of the Commission, and any information provided to a member state pursuant thereto in any judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding in a member state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact, or which may affect the powers, responsibilities or actions of the Commission.

4. The Commission shall be entitled to receive service of process in any proceeding regarding the enforcement or interpretation of the compact and shall have standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide the Commission service of process shall render a judgment or order void as to the Commission, this compact or promulgated rules.

B. Default, Technical Assistance and Termination

1. If the Commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact or the promulgated rules, the Commission shall:

a. Provide written notice to the defaulting state and other member states of the nature of the default, the proposed means of curing the default or any other action to be taken by the Commission; and

b. Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the default.

2. If a state in default fails to cure the default, the defaulting state may be terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the Commissioners of the member states, and all rights, privileges and benefits conferred on that state by this compact may be terminated on the effective date of termination.

3. Termination of membership in the compact shall be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate shall be given by the Commission to the Governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's Legislature, the state licensing authority and each of the member states.

4. A state that has been terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination.

5. The Commission shall not bear any costs related to a state that is found to be in default or that has been terminated from the compact, unless agreed upon in writing between the Commission and the defaulting state.

6. The defaulting state may appeal the action of the Commission by petitioning the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Commission has its principal offices.

C. Dispute Resolution

1. Upon request by a member state, the Commission shall attempt to resolve disputes related to the compact that arise among member states and between member and nonmember states.

2. The Commission shall promulgate a rule providing for nonbinding alternative dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.

D. Enforcement

1. The Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this compact.

2. By majority vote, the Commission may initiate legal action in a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact and its promulgated rules and bylaws. The relief sought may include injunctive relief.

ARTICLE XI

EFFECTUATION, WITHDRAWAL, AND AMENDMENT

A. The compact shall come into effect on the date on which the compact statute is enacted into law in the tenth member state.

1. On or after the effective date of the compact, the Commission shall convene and review the enactment of each of the charter member states to determine if the statute enacted by each such charter member state is materially different from the model compact statute.

2. A charter member state whose enactment is found to be materially different from the model compact statute shall be entitled to the default process set forth in Article X.

3. Member states enacting the compact subsequent to the charter member states shall be subject to the process set forth in Article VII.C.20 to determine if their enactments are materially different from the model compact statute and whether they qualify for participation in the compact.

B. If any member state is later found to be in default, or is terminated or withdraws from the compact, the Commission shall remain in existence and the compact shall remain in effect even if the number of member states should be less than ten (10).

C. Any state that joins the compact after the Commission's initial adoption of the rules and bylaws shall be subject to the rules and bylaws as they exist on the date on which the compact becomes law in that state, provided that as applied in the State of Mississippi, the compact shall only be binding if consistent with Mississippi law. Any rule that has been previously adopted by the Commission shall have the full force and effect of law on the day the compact becomes law in that state, provided that as applied in the State of Mississippi, the compact shall only be binding if consistent with Mississippi law, as the rules and bylaws may be amended as provided in this compact.

D. Any member state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same. A member state's withdrawal shall not take effect until six (6) months after enactment of the repealing statute.

E. This compact may be amended by the member states. No amendment to this compact shall become effective and binding upon any other member state until it is enacted into the laws of all member states.

ARTICLE XII

CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY

The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any member state or a state seeking membership in the compact, contrary to Mississippi law, or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any other government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any member state, or as applicable in the State of Mississippi, with Mississippi law, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining member states and in full force and effect as to the member state affected as to all severable matters.

ARTICLE XIII

CONSISTENT EFFECT AND CONFLICT WITH OTHER STATE LAWS

A. Nothing herein shall prevent or inhibit the enforcement of Mississippi law that is not inconsistent with the compact.

B. Any laws, statutes, regulations or other legal requirements in a member state in conflict with the compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict, provided that as applied in the State of Mississippi, the compact shall only be binding if consistent with Mississippi law.

C. All permissible agreements between the Commission and the member states are binding in accordance with their terms, provided that as applied in the State of Mississippi, the agreements shall only be binding if consistent with Mississippi law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-11 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 106-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-11
Status: in_force

(1) The members of the board shall serve without pay.

(2) The board is hereby vested with full and complete authority and power to sue in its own name any person for any balance, including principal, interest and reasonable collection costs or attorney's fees, due and owing the state on any uncompleted contract.

(3) The board shall promulgate rules and regulations to govern the state grant and forgivable loan programs authorized in this chapter.

(4) When appropriate, the board shall administer the Nissan Scholarship Program.

(5) All funds administered by the board shall be accounted for in an annual report that shall be submitted to the Legislature within ten (10) days after the convening thereof each year. The report should detail for each grant or forgivable loan program the number of recipients, the total amount of awards made, and the average award amount. The report shall include the number of students at each institution receiving financial assistance and the amount of the assistance. For forgivable loan programs, the report shall also include a summary of the repayment status and method of repayment for student cohorts as well as an accounting of the receipt of funds in repayment.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-63-10 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 63-10
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-63-10
Status: in_force

No individual who sits on any board or authority empowered to contract with the Educational Television Authority or to appoint members to the board which shall govern the use of the ITFS channels shall own or be interested in, directly or indirectly, any interest in any private organization doing business under the FCC license herein approved.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-13 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 11-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-13
Status: in_force

No person suffering from tuberculosis in an infectious or communicable stage will be employed in any school in this state, public or private, as an administrator, teacher, secretary, janitor, cook in lunchroom, bus driver, or in any other capacity.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-237 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 153-237
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-237
Status: in_force

The office shall enter into a grant contract agreement with each recipient of a grant under the program that incorporates the following obligations and conditions:

(a) The recipient of a grant shall commit to serving as a paramedic for three (3) continuous years in the State of Mississippi;

(b) If any recipient of a grant under the program does not engage in serving as a paramedic in accordance with the terms of this article, the recipient shall be obligated to repay the grant amounts received, together with interest thereon at the maximum rate allowed by Mississippi law or the federal discount rate plus five percent (5%) per year, whichever is less, the interest to accrue from the date that each payment of funds was received by the recipient;

(c) No interest shall accrue and there shall be no obligation to repay the principal sums accrued during any one (1) period of time that the recipient involuntarily serves on active duty in the United States Armed Forces; and

(d) Repayment of the principal with interest shall be due and payable in full immediately on the occurrence of either of the following events:

(i) Failure to remain in the State of Mississippi for three (3) continuous years for any reason other than temporary personal illness; or

(ii) Failure to serve as a paramedic on a regularly sustained basis as provided in the eligibility requirements of Section 37-153-235 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-181-15 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 181-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-181-15
Status: in_force

(1) To ensure that students are treated fairly and kept safe, all eligible schools shall:

(a) Comply with the nondiscrimination policies set forth in 42 USCS 1981 ;

(b) Prior to a participating student's application for enrollment, provide parents or guardians with details of the school's programs, record of student achievement, qualifications, experience, capacities to serve students with special needs, and capacity to serve the participating student within the scope of their IEP;

(c) Comply with all health and safety laws or codes that apply to nonpublic schools;

(d) Hold a valid occupancy permit if required by their municipality;

(e) Have no public record of fraud or malfeasance;

(f) Require participating students to take a pre-assessment at the beginning of the school year and a post-assessment at the end of the school year. The eligible school shall have the option to select their current assessment used to demonstrate academic progress, a nationally standardized norm-referenced achievement test, or a current state board-approved screener;

(g) Notify a parent or guardian applying for the ESA program that the parent or guardian waives the right of the participating student to an individual entitlement to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) from their home school district, including special education and related services, for as long as the student is participating in the ESA program;

(h) Conduct criminal background checks on employees and:

(i) Exclude from employment any person not permitted by state law to work in a nonpublic school; and

(ii) Exclude from employment any person who might reasonably pose a threat to the safety of students; and

(i) An eligible school shall certify to the department upon enrollment of a participating student that the eligible school shall provide services for the participating student's disability or special education needs, or shall provide services addressing a participating student's IEP. Such certification must be received by the department before the ESA is reimbursed to an eligible student.

(2) Failure to comply with these requirements shall deem the eligible school ineligible to participate in the ESA program the following year.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-75 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 27-75
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-75
Status: in_force

Sections 37-27-69 through 37-27-73 shall be construed as cumulative and no restriction, limitation or prohibition of the general laws shall operate to curtail the authority or prescribe the procedure by which the purposes of said sections shall be effected.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-483 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 7-483
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-483
Status: in_force

The Legislature hereby declares that it is its intention and purpose to authorize and permit each and every type of disposition of property permitted in Sections 37-7-471 through 37-7-481 and by each and every type of transfer mentioned, and by every combination possible thereunder.

Said sections shall be construed to be supplemental to Sections 37-7-451 through 37-7-457 and Sections 37-7-501 through 37-7-511 , and to all other statutes dealing with the subject matter thereof, and shall be deemed to provide a supplemental, additional and alternate method for the disposition of school buildings, land, property and other school facilities which are no longer to be used for school purposes and are not needed in the operation of the schools of the district or for the conveyance of a partial ownership interest or for exchange, sale or conveyance of an undivided interest in school buildings, land, property or other school facilities that may yield a long-term economic value to the district, in the discretion of the local school board, based on an objective cost/benefit analysis as to whether the proposal shall maximize the interest of the taxpayers.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-8 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 13-8
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-8
Status: in_force

(1) In each public school classroom, the local school governing board may authorize a brief period of quiet reflection for not more than sixty (60) seconds at the opening of school upon every school day.

(2) The moment of quiet reflection authorized by subsection (1) of this section is not intended to be and shall not be conducted as a religious service or exercise but is considered an opportunity for a moment of silent reflection.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-63 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 13-63
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-63
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided, all public schools in the state shall be kept in session for at least one hundred eighty (180) days in each scholastic year.

(2) If the school board of any school district shall determine that it is not economically feasible or practicable to operate any school within the district for the full one hundred eighty (180) days required for a scholastic year as contemplated due to an enemy attack, a man-made, technological or natural disaster or extreme weather emergency in which the Governor has declared a disaster or state of emergency under the laws of this state or the President of the United States has declared an emergency or major disaster to exist in this state, the school board may notify the State Department of Education of the disaster or weather emergency and submit a plan for altering the school term. If the State Board of Education finds the disaster or extreme weather emergency to be the cause of the school not operating for the contemplated school term and that such school was in a school district covered by the Governor's or President's disaster or state of emergency declaration, it may permit that school board to operate the schools in its district for less than one hundred eighty (180) days; however, in no instance of a declared disaster or state of emergency under the provisions of this subsection shall a school board receive payment from the State Department of Education for per pupil expenditure for pupils in net enrollment in excess of ten (10) days.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-9-205 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 9-205
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-9-205
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Teacher Center of the State Department of Education shall establish a beginning teacher support program to provide eligible beginning teachers in this state with continued and sustained support from a formally assigned mentor teacher during the first full year of teaching.

(2) After the 1992-1993 school year, any district is eligible to participate in the beginning teacher support program.

(3) Two (2) or more districts may operate jointly a beginning teacher support program if they meet all the requirements of Sections 37-9-201 through 37-9-213 .

(4) Educational consortia established for approved teacher education programs pursuant to rules of the Mississippi Teacher Center are eligible to operate a beginning teacher support program to serve beginning teachers in a participating school district.

(5) To the extent practicable, school districts may coordinate with institutions of higher education in the design, implementation and evaluation of mentorship programs.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-65-105 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 65-105
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-65-105
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of any such school district may, in its discretion, pay all or any part of the salary of all superintendents, principals, teachers and other employees during or for the period when any of the said schools are closed in accordance with the terms of this article, and funds shall be drawn from the same source or sources as such funds would be drawn to pay such items if the school or schools had not been closed.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-103-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 103-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-103-3
Status: in_force

No student may be admitted to any junior college or institution of higher learning as a resident of Mississippi unless his residence has been in the State of Mississippi preceding his admission. Residence shall be as defined in Sections 37-103-7 and 37-103-13 unless excepted in this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-58 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 13-58
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-58
Status: in_force

(1) The state department of education is hereby designated as the state agency responsible for the administration and supervision of the career education concept as an educational innovation in the State of Mississippi. It is the intent of the legislature that all funds made available to the State of Mississippi, for the purpose of enhancing career education, be administered by the state department of education.

(2) Pursuant to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the state department of education is hereby authorized to establish an office of career education within the framework of the state department of education for the purpose of developing standards, procedures and criteria for the administration and supervision of a statewide program of career education in grades one (1) through twelve (12). The state department of education, through the office of career education, shall assume the further responsibility for promoting a statewide effort designed to prepare local school faculties and staffs to incorporate the career education concept into their local educational programs.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-3-71 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-71
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-3-71
Status: in_force

All students in all school districts are eligible to participate in the Alliance for Families program. The number of school districts that may participate shall be determined by the amount of funding. The State Board of Education shall evaluate the Alliance for Families program in participating school districts and shall report to the Legislature and the Governor on or before August 1, 1993, identifying exemplary programs and making recommendations regarding methods and criteria for funding such programs.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-139-5 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 139-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-139-5
Status: in_force

The board may hire a director when it so deems one necessary and when sufficient funds have been appropriated. The director shall serve at the board's will and pleasure. He shall be the chief administrative officer of the school and shall administer the school in accordance with policies established by the board. The director shall be responsible for such administrative duties and functions as the board shall so prescribe. The board shall be authorized, in its discretion, to delegate to the director such of its powers and duties as it deems appropriate.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-125-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 125-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-125-3
Status: in_force

The object of the Jackson State College shall be to qualify teachers for the public schools of this state by giving instruction in the art and practice of teaching in all branches of study which pertain to industrial training, health, and rural and elementary education, and such other studies as the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning, in cooperation with the state department of education, may, from time to time, prescribe.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-291 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 101-291
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-291
Status: in_force

(1) In order to help alleviate the problem of the shortage of health care professionals at the state health institutions, there is established a program of paid educational leave for the study of such health care professions as defined in Section 37-101-285 and licensed practical nursing by any employee who works at a state health institution and who declares an intention to work in such respective health care occupation in the same state health institution in which the employee was working when granted educational leave, for a minimum period of time after graduation.

(2) The paid educational leave program shall be administered by the respective state health institutions.

(3)(a) Within the limits of the funds available to a state health institution for such purpose, the institution may grant paid educational leave to those applicants deemed qualified therefor, upon such terms and conditions as it may impose and as provided for in this section.

(b) In order to be eligible for paid educational leave, an applicant must:

(i) Be working at a state health institution at the time of application;

(ii) Attend any college or school approved and designated by the state health institution; and

(iii) Agree to work in a health care profession as defined in Section 37-101-285 or as a licensed practical nurse in the same state health institution for a period of time equivalent to the period of time for which the applicant receives paid educational leave compensation, calculated to the nearest whole month, but in no event less than two (2) years.

(c)(i) Before being granted paid educational leave, each applicant shall enter into a contract with the state health institution, which shall be deemed a contract with the State of Mississippi, agreeing to the terms and conditions upon which the paid educational leave shall be granted to him. The contract shall include such terms and provisions necessary to carry out the full purpose and intent of this section. The form of such contract shall be prepared and approved by the Attorney General of this state, and shall be signed by the executive director of the respective state health institution and the recipient. If the recipient is a minor, his minority disabilities shall be removed by a chancery court of competent jurisdiction before the contract is signed.

(ii) The state health institution shall have the authority to cancel any contract made between it and any recipient for paid educational leave upon such cause being deemed sufficient by the executive director of such institution.

(iii) The state health institution is vested with full and complete authority and power to sue in its own name any recipient for any balance due the state on any such uncompleted contract, which suit shall be filed and handled by the Attorney General of the state. The state health institution may contract with a collection agency or banking institution, subject to approval by the Attorney General, for collection of any balance due the state from any recipient. The State of Mississippi, agencies of the state and the state health institution and its employees are immune from any suit brought in law or equity for actions taken by the collection agency or banking institution incidental to or arising from their performance under the contract. The state health institution, collection agency and banking institution may negotiate for the payment of a sum that is less than full payment in order to satisfy any balance the recipient owes the state, subject to approval by the facility director of the sponsoring facility within the state health institution.

(iv) Failure to meet the terms of an educational loan contract shall be grounds for revocation of the professional license which was earned through the paid educational leave compensation granted under this section.

(v) A finding by the sponsoring agency of a default by the recipient shall be a finding of unprofessional conduct and therefore, a basis for the revocation of the professional license which was obtained through the educational leave program. The finding also will be grounds for revocation of any license, as defined by Section 93-11-153 .

(vi) Notice of pending default status shall be mailed to the recipient at the last known address by the sponsoring agency.

(vii) The sponsoring agency shall conduct a hearing of pending default status, make a final determination, and issue an Order of Default, if appropriate.

(viii) Recipients may appear either personally or by counsel, or both, and produce and cross-examine witnesses or evidence in the recipient's behalf. The procedure of the hearing shall not be bound by the Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence.

(ix) If a recipient is found to be in default, a copy of an Order of Default shall be forwarded to the appropriate licensing agency.

(x) Appeals from a finding of default by the sponsoring agency shall be to the Circuit Court of Hinds County. Actions taken by a licensing entity in revoking a license when required by this section are not actions from which an appeal may be taken under the general licensing and disciplinary provisions applicable to the licensing agency.

(xi) Rules and regulations governing hearing and other applicable matters shall be promulgated by the sponsoring agency.

(xii) A license which has been revoked pursuant to this statute shall be reinstated upon a showing of proof that the recipient is no longer in default.

(xiii) A finding by the sponsoring facility of educational leave default is a disciplinary action, not a collection action, and therefore shall not be affected by the recipient declaring bankruptcy.

(4)(a) Any recipient who is granted paid educational leave by a state health institution shall be compensated by the institution during the time the recipient is in school, at the rate of pay received by a nurse's aide employed at the respective state health institution. All educational leave compensation received by the recipient while in school shall be considered earned conditioned upon the fulfillment of the terms and obligations of the educational leave contract and this section. However, no recipient of full-time educational leave shall accrue personal or major medical leave while the recipient is on paid educational leave. Recipients of paid educational leave shall be responsible for their individual costs of tuition and books.

(b) Paid educational leave shall be granted only upon the following conditions:

(i) The recipient shall fulfill his or her obligation under the contract with the State of Mississippi by working as a professional in a health care profession defined in Section 37-101-285 or as a licensed practical nurse in a state health institution; a recipient sponsored by a health institution under the supervision of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health may fulfill his or her obligation under the contract with the State of Mississippi at another health institution under the supervision of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health with prior written approval of the Director of the Department of Mental Health institution with which he or she originally contracted for educational leave. The total compensation that the recipient was paid while on educational leave shall be considered as unconditionally earned on an annual pro rata basis for each year of service rendered under the educational leave contract as a health care professional in his respective state health institution.

(ii) If the recipient does not work as a professional in a health care profession as defined in Section 37-101-285 or as a licensed practical nurse in his respective state health institution for the period required under subsection (3)(b)(iii) of this section, the recipient shall be liable for repayment on demand of the remaining portion of the compensation that the recipient was paid while on paid educational leave which has not been unconditionally earned, with interest accruing at ten percent (10%) per annum from the recipient's date of graduation or the date that the recipient last worked at that state health institution, whichever is the later date. In addition, there shall be included in any contract for paid educational leave a provision for liquidated damages equal to Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) which may be reduced on a pro rata basis for each year served under such contract.

(iii) If any recipient fails or withdraws from school at any time before completing his or her health care training, the recipient shall be liable for repayment on demand of the amount of the total compensation that the recipient was paid while on paid educational leave, with interest accruing at ten percent (10%) per annum from the date the recipient failed or withdrew from school. However, the recipient shall not be liable for liquidated damages, and if the recipient returns to work in the same position held in the same state health institution prior to accepting educational leave, the recipient shall not be liable for payment of any interest on the amount owed.

(iv) The issuance and renewal of the professional license required to work in a health care profession as defined in Section 37-101-285 for which the educational leave was granted shall be contingent upon the repayment of the total compensation that the recipient received while on paid educational leave. No license shall be granted until a contract for repayment is executed. No license shall be renewed without proof of an existing contract which is not in default. Failure to meet the terms of an educational loan contract shall be grounds for revocation of the professional license which was earned through the paid educational leave compensation granted under this section. Any person who receives any amount of paid educational leave compensation while in school and subsequently receives a professional license shall be deemed to have earned the professional license through paid educational leave.

(v) The obligations of educational leave recipients under contracts entered into before July 1, 2002, shall remain unchanged. However, state health institutions may use the collection or license revocation provisions of this section to collect money owed under all educational leave contracts, regardless of when those contracts were executed.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-457 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 7-457
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-457
Status: in_force

All conveyances of property under the authority of Section 37-7-455 shall be for a cash consideration. The proceeds of such sale shall be placed in the maintenance fund of the school district. However, if any sale embraces realty, and the school district selling same owes outstanding bonds or notes, then in that event the proceeds of such sale shall be placed to the credit of the bond and interest sinking fund of such school district, or used to construct, renovate or purchase, under provisions elsewhere provided by law, similar type property or property of comparable value at attendance centers to be used for the same or other reasonably necessary purposes.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-173-22 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 173-22
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-173-22
Status: in_force

If the individual meets the requirements of Section 37-173-1(g) and is otherwise licensed by their state's respective department or agency that licenses such occupations, then the Department of Education shall issue the individual a license through reciprocity.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-409 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 29-409
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-409
Status: in_force

The operation and control of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College District and the college or colleges operated therein shall be vested in a board of trustees representing each of the four (4) counties lying within the district. The board of trustees shall consist of twenty-three (23) members. Of the said number Harrison County shall be entitled to eight (8) members, Stone County shall be entitled to three (3) members, George County shall be entitled to three (3) members and Jackson County shall be entitled to eight (8) members. In no event in the future shall any of the counties have more than the number hereinabove established. The members of the board of trustees from each county shall be elected by the board of supervisors of the county. Except as hereinafter specified the term of office of each trustee shall be five (5) years. The members of the board of trustees serving on July 1, 1989, shall continue to serve until their terms expire. All shall be appointed for a term of five (5) years each. There shall be one (1) additional member of the board who shall be selected by the members of the board of trustees who shall reside alternatively in Jackson and Harrison Counties, with the initial appointment to be made from Jackson County for a term of five (5) years.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-85 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 27-85
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-85
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of any such school as is discontinued, as provided in Section 37-27-83 , is further authorized with the approval of the board of supervisors to reconvey to the original grantors thereof, or their heirs, any lands which may have been donated to the trustees of such school for school purposes, except that part of the same, to be designated by the board of trustees, on which the school buildings are located. The deeds of conveyance shall be executed as provided in Section 37-27-83 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-47-59 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 47-59
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-47-59
Status: in_force

All bonds issued under the authority of this chapter may, in the discretion of the state bond commission, be validated in the chancery court of Hinds County, Mississippi, in the manner and with the force and effect now or hereafter provided by Chapter 13, Title 31, of the Mississippi Code of 1972 . In the event of such validation, the necessary papers shall be transmitted to the state bond attorney by the secretary of said state bond commission and the required notice shall be addressed to the taxpayers of the State of Mississippi and shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Jackson, Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-145-47 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 145-47
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-145-47
Status: in_force

The bonds issued pursuant to Sections 37-145-43 through 37-145-73 shall be authorized by a resolution of the company, shall bear such date or dates, and shall mature at such time or times as such resolution may provide, except that no bond shall mature more than thirty (30) years from the date of issue. Bonds which are not subject to taxation shall bear interest at such rate or rates not exceeding that authorized by Section 75-17-103 , including variations of such rates, be in such denominations, be in such form, carry such registration privileges, be executed in such manner, be payable in such medium of payment, at such place or places, and be subject to such terms of redemption, including redemption prior to maturity, as such resolution may provide. Except as expressly provided otherwise in Sections 37-145-43 through 37-145-73 , the provisions of other laws of the state relating to the issuance of revenue bonds shall not apply to bonds issued by the company. As to bonds issued hereunder and designated as taxable bonds by the company, any immunity to taxation by the United States government of interest on such bonds or notes is hereby waived. Bonds of the company may be sold by the company at public or private sale, from time to time, and at such price or prices as the company shall determine.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-23 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 45-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-23
Status: in_force

Subject to the provisions of any applicable statute, the commission shall formulate policies and approve or disapprove plans for the location and construction of all necessary elementary and secondary noncharter public school buildings.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-41 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 45-41
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-41
Status: in_force

When the reporter's notes shall have been transcribed, the reporter shall certify same and file an original and one copy with the commission and give notice by registered mail of the fact of such filing to the county board or county boards of education and the board of trustees of any municipal separate school district involved in the proceeding covered by the transcript, and their respective counsel of record, if any, and to the commission.

Any correction of the transcript shall be made in the same manner provided for correcting a transcript in Section 9-13-35, Mississippi Code of 1972 , with the commission exercising the rights and power of the trial judge mentioned therein, and the executive secretary of the commission exercising the duties of the clerk mentioned in said section. The written agreement provided by said section concerning the transcript therein provided to be filed in the supreme court may be entered into and filed in the chancery court to which the appeal is taken from any final rule, regulation or order of the commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-53 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 153-53
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-53
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Legislature finds the following:

(a) The public health crisis related to COVID-19 resulted in a general disruption in the Mississippi economy and workforce, particularly in the healthcare industry;

(b) Workforce shortages exist in a number of high-wage, high-demand Mississippi industries, including, but not limited to, the field of nursing; and

(c) The availability of unprecedented federal funding to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the workforce and economy has created a unique opportunity for the Office of Workforce Development, working with community colleges, institutions of higher learning, employers, and others, to provide education and training for Mississippians seeking employment in healthcare and other fields.

(2) Therefore, the intent of the Mississippi Legislature is:

(a) To provide funding for outreach and other efforts to connect citizens seeking employment in nursing and other high-wage, high-demand fields with the education and training required to obtain necessary skills for relevant employment in the state;

(b) To provide funding for new and increased capacity in new and existing relevant workforce development and training programs, particularly programs related to nursing and healthcare, to include any required equipment or supplies, at community and junior colleges and institutions of higher learning across the state; and

(c) To gauge the effectiveness of these programs by gathering data related to participation and wage and employment outcomes in order to replicate successful efforts in future workforce development programs.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-113 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 7-113
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-113
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions, it is hereby expressly provided that no order of the school board reorganizing, abolishing or altering any school district, whether same be taken with or without a petition therefor, shall be final unless and until said proposed reorganization, alteration or abolition shall be submitted to and approved by the State Board of Education. In the event the proposed action shall be disapproved by the State Board of Education, the same shall be void and of no effect. In the event of the filing of any petitions with the school board under the provisions of said sections, the school board shall verify same and make a determination of whether same are signed by the requisite number of qualified electors. The finding of the school board upon such question shall be final and conclusive for the purpose of the submission of said matter to the State Board of Education and the approval or disapproval of the action by said board.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-211 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 13-211
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-211
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to appropriations made by the Legislature, the State Department of Education shall provide annual training for teachers, counselors, administrators and paraprofessionals in order to phase in the K-12 computer science curriculum. Preference should be given to districts who have the fewest number of teachers and paraprofessionals trained in computer science. The State Department of Education shall work with the Center for Cyber Education at Mississippi State University to develop and coordinate the training. The State Department of Education may contract with private and nonprofit providers for educator training and for student instruction, and is encouraged to utilize available cost-free computer training, instruction and resources. Teachers and paraprofessionals may receive computer science instruction training through an online platform.

(2) The State Department of Education shall provide a report by January 1, 2022, to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and the Chairman of the House Education Committee. The report shall include a strategic plan for statewide computer science education initiatives including, but not limited to, the following:

(i) A summary of the current state landscape for K-12 computer science education;

(ii) A plan for expanding computer science education opportunities to every school in the state by the 2024-2025 school year;

(iii) A plan for the development of preservice and in-service teachers seeking a computer science endorsement or course specific license, in order to meet the timeline for course requirements;

(iv) The development of a vetted list of approved vendors in computer science education that are recognized as high quality computer science courses or instruction, which should weigh preference on cost and ease of implementation; and

(v) The identification of approved computer science courses that may fulfill at least four (4) units of academic credit for high school graduation. The State Department of Education shall work with the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and the Mississippi Community College Board to approve these courses once identified.

(3) The State Department of Education shall submit a report by December 31 of each year through 2025 to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and the Chairman of the House Education Committee. The report shall include a list of schools in each district teaching computer science and the number of computer science teachers trained in each district.