Miss. Code Ann. § 37-155-21 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 155-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-155-21
Status: in_force

(1) The board shall furnish without charge to each purchaser an annual statement of:

(a) The amount paid by the purchaser under the prepaid tuition contract;

(b) The number of years originally covered by the contract;

(c) The number of years remaining under the contract; and

(d) Any other information the board determines by rule is necessary or appropriate.

(2) The board shall furnish a statement complying with subsection (1) to a purchaser or beneficiary on written request. The board may charge a reasonable fee for each statement furnished under this subsection.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-41-59 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 41-59
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-41-59
Status: in_force

Every school district is authorized to mount a camera on any retractable, hand-operated stop sign that is a part of the equipment of a school bus.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-161 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 29-161
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-161
Status: in_force

Sections 37-29-161 through 37-29-173 may be cited as the “Mississippi Junior College Vocational and Technical Training Law of 1964.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-455 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / 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. § 37-27-61 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 27-61
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-61
Status: in_force

The county superintendent of education of a county which does not alone or in conjunction with another county maintain an agricultural high school or an agricultural high school-junior college, may provide, with the approval of the county board of education and the board of supervisors, for the attendance of pupils residing in the county of which he is superintendent of education, at an agricultural high school or an agricultural high school-junior college located in a county adjoining thereto, and pay by certificate drawn by him on the county school funds for the instruction of such pupils. However, the amount so paid shall not be greater than the pro rata share of such pupils, in the actual cost of incidentals and tuition, of such agricultural high school or agricultural high school-junior college. Counties co-operating under provisions of this section shall be represented on the boards of trustees by the county superintendent of education.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-185-5 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 185-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-185-5
Status: in_force

(1) The Independent Schools' COVID-19 Assistance Grant Program is established, to be administered by the MDA, for the purpose of making grants to eligible independent schools to provide reimbursements for eligible expenses, as defined in Section 37-185-3 .

(2) From the date of the beginning of the period for applications for grants under this section, the MDA shall consider and review applications from eligible independent schools that did not receive and have not been awarded reimbursement under any other federal program for the expenses that will be reimbursed by a grant under this section.

(3) The MDA shall develop regulations, procedures and application forms to govern the administration of the program, which at a minimum, shall require eligible independent schools to:

(a) Submit an application for a grant for reimbursement;

(b) Demonstrate the need and purpose of the grant funds received to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the operation of the school and its delivery of instruction; and

(c) Provide an itemized list of reimbursable eligible expenses as defined in Section 37-185-3 , which the independent school has previously incurred, is presently incurring or will incur before December 30, 2020, as such expenses relate to mitigation of the impact of COVID-19.

(4) The MDA may retain One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) for the administration of the program.

(5) The department shall report on the utilization of the program to the Chairs of the Universities and Colleges Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House and the Governor by October 1, 2020. At a minimum, the report shall contain:

(a) The name of each eligible independent school;

(b) The total amount of reimbursement requested by each eligible independent school; and

(c) The total amount of reimbursement received by each eligible independent school.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-53 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 45-53
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-53
Status: in_force

The beneficiary in all appeal bonds shall be the State of Mississippi. Said bonds shall secure the payment of the cost accruing in the proceeding, including the cost of appeal and the performance of any other acts required by the chancellor in granting of supersedeas appeal from any final rule, regulation or order of the commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-5 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 101-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-5
Status: in_force

There shall be appointed only men or women to membership on the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning as shall be qualified electors residing in the district from which each is appointed and at least twenty-five years of age and of the highest order of intelligence, character, learning and fitness for the performance of such duties to the end that such board shall perform the high and honorable duties thereof to the greatest advantage of the people of the state and of such institutions, uninfluenced by any political considerations.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-147-13 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 147-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-147-13
Status: in_force

The authority shall have the power to implement and further the purposes of the Mississippi University Research Authority Act including the power:

(a) To lease, sell, exchange or transfer to a university or university research corporation personal property, money or other assets on terms and conditions established by the authority which are fair, just and reasonable to the authority and the university involved and to enter into any other contract or agreement with the university research corporation or other private entity.

(b) To conduct, sponsor, finance and contract in connection with technological innovations of all kinds.

(c) To receive gifts, grants and donations of money, personal property or other assets of any kind from any source.

(d) To do anything else which the authority deems appropriate to further the purposes of the Mississippi University Research Authority Act.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-63-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 63-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-63-1
Status: in_force

It is declared to be the legislative purpose of this chapter, and the public policy of the State of Mississippi, that there be established and developed in the public interest an educational television and radio system which shall provide educational and instructional, professional growth, and public service programs for the students and citizens of Mississippi, such system to be known as Mississippi Educational Television. The legislature therefore declares and determines that for these and other related purposes there is hereby established an agency of state government to be known as the Mississippi authority for educational television which shall have the responsibility for the administration, operation, control and supervision of educational television and radio in Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-163 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 13-163
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-163
Status: in_force

(1) Any teacher, administrator, school council or local school board in any public school district in this state may post in a public school building, classroom or at any school event or read from any historical document or writing relating to the founding of the United States of America or this state, or both, notwithstanding the fact that such materials may include religious quotations, references or illustrations. There shall be no content-based censorship of American or Mississippi History, heritage or culture based on any religious references contained in such documents, writings or records.

(2) Principals and teachers in each public elementary and secondary school of each school district in this state shall display on an appropriately framed background with minimum dimensions of eleven (11) inches by fourteen (14) inches, the following motto of the United States of America in each classroom, school auditorium and school cafeteria under his or her supervision: “IN GOD WE TRUST.” For purposes of this provision, “ classroom ” shall mean any room of a public school where instruction takes place.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-61 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 11-61
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-61
Status: in_force

(1) Local school boards shall ensure that all public schools and agricultural high schools provide parents and guardians with information about meningococcal disease and the effectiveness of vaccination against meningococcal disease. Such information may be provided through the school district Web site, student handbook or other appropriate means of dissemination of information. Such information shall be updated annually if new information on such disease is available. This information shall include the causes, symptoms and means by which meningococcal disease is spread and the places where parents and guardians may obtain additional information and vaccinations for their children. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a local school board or school to provide or purchase vaccine against meningococcal disease.

(2) The State Board of Health shall develop and make available educational materials appropriate for distribution so that the information required by this section can be provided to parents and guardians. The Department of Health may provide this information, at its discretion, electronically, on its Web site. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Department of Health to provide or purchase vaccine against meningococcal disease.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-139 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 29-139
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-139
Status: in_force

Sections 37-29-131 through 37-29-139 , without reference to any other statute shall be deemed to be full and complete authority for the authorization, execution and delivery of lease agreements authorized hereunder and shall be construed as an additional and alternative method; and none of the present restrictions, requirements, conditions and limitations of law applicable to acquisition, construction and drawing of buildings or facilities shall apply to lease agreements under Sections 37-29-131 through 37-29-139 , and no proceeding shall be required for the authorization, execution and delivery of such leases other than those required herein, and all powers necessary to be exercised in order to carry out the provisions of Sections 37-29-131 through 37-29-139 , are hereby conferred.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-147-5 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 147-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-147-5
Status: in_force

The following words shall have the meaning ascribed herein unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(a) “Act” means the Mississippi University Research Authority Act;

(b) “Authority” means the entity created pursuant to this act;

(c) “Board” means the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning;

(d) “Technological innovations” means research, development, prototype assembly, manufacture, patenting, licensing, marketing and sale of inventions, ideas, practices, applications, processes, machines, technology and related property rights of all kinds; and

(e) “University” means a Mississippi educational institution established pursuant to the provisions of Section 213A of the 1890 Constitution of the State of Mississippi.

(f) “Intellectual property” means any formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique or process created primarily as a result of the research effort of an employee or employees of an institution of higher learning of the State of Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-73-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 73-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-73-3
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to appropriation by the Legislature, the Office of Workforce Development shall implement a career coaching program to support middle schools and high schools as students are exposed, prepared and connected to career avenues within and beyond the classroom setting. Through strong partnerships with economic and business leaders, paired with viable relationships with school districts, the career coaches shall target the alignment of students' strengths with intentional academic and work-based learning in pursuit of meaningful professional employment.

(2) Subject to appropriation by the Legislature, the Office of Workforce Development, working through the Department of Employment Security as fiscal agent, shall establish rules and regulations to operate the career coaching program, which may include granting funds to eligible recipients such as state agencies, regional workforce entities and other nonprofits, to hire coaches. The Office of Workforce Development shall establish criteria for coaches and shall work with partner organizations to identify candidates and measure outcomes.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-605 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 29-605
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-605
Status: in_force

All bonds issued by an educational building corporation may be executed and delivered at any time and from time to time, may be in such form and denominations, may be of such tenor, may be payable in such installments and at such time or times not exceeding thirty (30) years from their date, may be payable at such place or places, may bear interest at such rate or rates payable at such place or places and evidenced in such manner, and may contain such provisions not inconsistent with Sections 37-29-601 through 37-29-613 , all as may be provided by resolution of its board of directors. The bonds issued by any such corporation shall be signed by the chairman of its board of directors or other chief executive officer and attested by its secretary, and the seal of such corporation shall be affixed thereto. Any such bonds may be sold at public or private sale in such manner and from time to time as may be determined by the board of directors to be most advantageous, and the corporation may pay all expenses, premiums and commissions which its board of directors may deem necessary or advantageous in connection with the authorization, sale and issuance of the bonds. All such bonds shall be construed to be negotiable instruments, despite the fact that they are payable solely from a specified source.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-31-39 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-39
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-31-39
Status: in_force

The state board of education shall cooperate with medical, health, nursing and welfare groups and organizations and with any other agencies in the state charged with administering state laws providing for vocational rehabilitation of physically handicapped children. Said state board is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to cooperate with the federal government in such manner as to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the federal social security act pertaining to crippled children.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-47-51 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 47-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-47-51
Status: in_force

All bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter and all interim certificates issued under the provisions of this chapter, except those fully registered, shall be fully negotiable within the meaning and for all the purposes of the Uniform Commercial Code.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-233 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 153-233
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-233
Status: in_force

(1) The 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) COVID-19 and the closing of or reduction in services at rural hospitals created an unprecedented demand on emergency medical response providers.

(c) Consequently, the number of paramedics decreased in the State of Mississippi by approximately nineteen percent (19%).

(d) The lack of paramedics directly impacts all Mississippians ability to rely on quality emergency care.

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

(a) To provide funding to the Office of Workforce Development to establish a scholarship program for the purposes outlined herein.

(b) To provide funding for grants to cover the full cost of tuition, fees, books and any required uniforms for qualified applicants to attend an accredited paramedic program.

(c) To provide funding for grants to reimburse the cost of a qualified applicant's fee for the successful completion of the National Registry Paramedic cognitive and psychomotor examinations.

(d) To gauge the effectiveness of this program by gathering data related to the participation and employment outcomes in order to replicate successful efforts in future workforce development programs.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-181-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 181-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-181-7
Status: in_force

(1) New enrollment in the ESA program created in this chapter shall be limited to five hundred (500) additional students each year. Subject to appropriation from the General Fund, each student's ESA shall be funded at Six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($6,500.00) for school year 2015-2016. For each subsequent year, this amount shall increase or decrease by the same proportion as the student base amount under Section 37-151-203 is increased or decreased.

(2) Subject to appropriation, eligible students shall be approved for participation in the ESA program as follows:

(a) Students shall be approved on a first-come, first-served basis, with applications being reviewed on a rolling basis;

(b) After participation reaches fifty percent (50%) of the annual enrollment limits in subsection (1) of this section, the department shall set annual application deadlines for the remaining number of available ESAs and begin to maintain a waiting list of eligible students. The waitlist shall only include eligible students who have certified to the department that they have been accepted into an eligible school qualified to provide services for the participating student's disability or special education needs, or provide services addressing a participating student's IEP. The waitlist will be maintained in the chronological order in which applications are received. The department shall award ESA program applications in chronological order according to the waitlist; and

(c) Participating students who remain eligible for the ESA program are automatically approved for participation for the following year and are not subject to the random selection process.

(3) No funds for an ESA may be expended from the total funding formula funds provided in Sections 37-151-200 through 37-151-215 , nor shall any school district be required to provide funding for an ESA.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-175-21 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 175-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-175-21
Status: in_force

(1) The State Board of Education in conjunction with each nonpublic school operating under the provisions of this chapter, may:

(a) Extend the school day or length of the scholastic year;

(b) Develop and establish a curriculum that is consistent with the Mississippi Curriculum Framework in the subject areas of mathematics, social studies, science, music, art and physical education; and

(c) Select, purchase and use textbooks, literature and other instructional materials that would improve educational attainment by students in the school, subject to the approval of the board.

(2) The qualified personnel to provide speech-language services for children with speech-language impairment who attend the nonpublic special purpose schools shall consist of speech-language pathologists.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-64 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 13-64
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-64
Status: in_force

(1) Beginning with the 2010-2011 school term, any school district required to close the operation of its schools by decision of the superintendent, under the authority provided by the local school board, due to extreme weather conditions, in the best interests of the health and safety of the students, administration and staff of the school district, shall be exempt from the requirement that schools be kept in session a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days. Any school district that closes its schools for reasons authorized under this section shall receive payment from the State Department of Education for per pupil expenditure for pupils in net enrollment not to exceed ten (10) days.

(2) In the event weather conditions are cause for the closure of operations of schools in any local school district in any instance in which a state of emergency has not been declared pursuant to Section 37-151-211(4) , the State Board of Education may consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests submitted by local school districts to alter the school calendar consistent with the provision of that section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-157 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 33-157
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-157
Status: in_force

The Department of Rehabilitation Services shall provide the rehabilitation services authorized by law and by the rules, regulations and policies of the board to every individual determined to be eligible therefor, and in carrying out the purposes of this chapter the department is authorized, when consistent with the rules, regulations and policies of the State Board of Rehabilitation Services:

(a) To expend funds received either by appropriation or directly from federal or private sources.

(b) To cooperate with other departments, agencies and institutions, both public and private, in providing the services authorized by this chapter to disabled individuals, in studying the problems involved therein, and in establishing, developing and providing in conformity with the purposes of this chapter, such programs, facilities and services as may be necessary or desirable.

(c) To enter into reciprocal agreements with other states to provide for the services authorized by this chapter to residents of the states concerned.

(d) To conduct research and compile statistics relating to the provision of services to or the need of services by disabled individuals.

(e) To enter into contractual arrangements with the federal government and with other authorized public agencies or persons for performance of services related to rehabilitation.

(f) To contract with schools, hospitals and other agencies, and with doctors, optometrists, nurses, technicians and other persons, for training, physical restoration, transportation and other rehabilitation services.

(g) To take such action as may be necessary to enable the department to apply for, accept and receive for the state and its residents the full benefits available under the federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act, and any amendments thereto, and under any other federal legislation or program having as its purpose the providing of, improvement or extension of, vocational rehabilitation services.

(h) To establish an Office on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to provide services and activities authorized under Section 37-33-171 .

(i) To own in the name of the State of Mississippi certain real property described in Section 7 of Chapter 512, Laws of 2005, and to construct, renovate or repair under the supervision of the Department of Finance and Administration any buildings on such property.

(j) To borrow money from the Mississippi Development Bank or other financial institution for the purpose of construction, repair and renovation, furnishing or equipping facilities owned or under the supervision of the department; however, the department shall certify the following to the Mississippi Development Bank or other financial institution prior to entering into any loan:

(i) The available revenue that the department intends to utilize to repay the loan; and

(ii) That the department does not intend to request an additional appropriation from state source funding to pay debt service on any loan entered into under this paragraph.

(k) To fingerprint and perform a current criminal history record check, child abuse registry check, sex offender registry check, and vulnerable adult abuse or neglect check on any person performing services for or on behalf of the department including, but not limited to, every employee, volunteer, contractual worker, and independent contractor.

(l) To use the results of the fingerprinting and background checks performed under paragraph (k) for the purposes of employment decisions and/or actions and service provision to consumers of the department's services. The department and its agents, officers, employees, attorneys and representatives shall be exempt from liability for any findings, recommendations or actions taken under this paragraph.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-407 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 29-407
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-407
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.

The president shall have the authority, subject to the provisions of Sections 37-29-401 thorugh 37-29-437 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. § 37-101-31 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 101-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-31
Status: in_force

In addition to the powers vested in the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning by Section 213-A, Mississippi Constitution of 1890 and by this chapter, said board is hereby authorized to establish a reserve fund to receive funds from state, federal or private sources for the purpose of guaranteeing payment of loans obtained by college or university students from public or private lenders or banking institutions. The board is authorized and empowered to do and perform all the necessary and requisite acts and deeds necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-137 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 23-137
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-137
Status: in_force

(1) Consent shall be obtained:

(a) Prior to initial evaluation;

(b) Prior to implementation of the initial individualized educational program for a child with a disability;

(c) Prior to reevaluation, except that such consent is not required, if the local educational agency can demonstrate that it had taken reasonable measures to obtain such consent and the parent failed to respond; and

(d) Prior to the release of educational records as required under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and IDEA.

(2) If the parent of a child with a disability refuses consent for the evaluation, the local educational agency may continue to pursue an evaluation by utilizing the due process hearing procedures under IDEA, except to the extent these are not in conflict with Mississippi law relating to parental consent.

(3) Written prior notice shall be provided to the parents of the child whenever a local educational agency proposes to initiate or change or refuses to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child, or the provision of a free appropriate public education to that child.

(4) Written prior notice shall be provided in the native language of the parents, unless it clearly is not feasible to do so.

(5) Written prior notice shall include:

(a) A description of the action proposed or refused by the local educational agency;

(b) An explanation of why the local educational agency proposes or refuses to take the action;

(c) A description of any other options that the local educational agency considered and the reasons why those options were rejected;

(d) A description of any other factors that are relevant to the local educational agency's proposal or refusal;

(e) A description of each evaluation procedure, test, record, or report the local educational agency used as a basis for the proposed or refused action;

(f) A description of any factors that are relevant to the local educational agency's proposal or refusal;

(g) A statement that the parents of a child with a disability have protection under the procedural safeguards under IDEA and, if the notice is not an initial referral for evaluation, notification of an individualized educational program meeting or notice for reevaluation, the means by which a copy of a description of procedural safeguards can be obtained; and

(h) Sources for parents to contact to obtain assistance in understanding the provisions under IDEA.

(6) A copy of the procedural safeguards established by the State Department of Education shall be given to the parents upon:

(a) Initial referral for evaluation, reevaluation or parent request for evaluation;

(b) The child's initial IEP meeting;

(c) Registration of a complaint under IDEA to the State Department of Education;

(d) Upon a request by a parent; and

(e) If there is no circumstance giving rise to the purpose of parents receiving a copy of the procedural safeguards under paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this subsection, then the parents shall be provided with a copy of the procedural safeguards at least once on an annual basis.

The procedural safeguards shall include provisions which allow parents to be informed of the parental right to record IEP meetings by means of an audio or visual recording device or written transcript at the parent's own expense if they so desire a record of the meeting.

(7) The State Department of Education and each local educational agency shall establish procedures to ensure parents of children with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in meetings with respect to the identification, evaluation, and education placement of the child, and the provision of a free appropriate public education of such child. Local educational agencies shall provide parents of children with disabilities an opportunity to provide input in the development of the agencies' application for funding, as required under IDEA.

(8) The parent or guardian or local educational agency shall have the right to audio record the proceedings of individualized education program team meetings. The parent or guardian or local educational agency shall notify the members of the individualized education program team of his, her, or its intent to audio record a meeting at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting.

(9) In conducting the evaluation, the local educational agency shall:

(a) Use a variety of assessment tools and strategies to gather relevant functional and developmental information, including information provided by the parent, that may assist in determining whether the child is a child with a disability and the content of the child's individualized education program including information related to enabling the child to be involved in and progress in the general curriculum or, for preschool children, to participate in appropriate activities;

(b) Not use any single procedure as the sole criterion for determining whether a child is a child with a disability or determining an appropriate educational program for the child; and

(c) Use technically sound instruments that may assess the relative contribution of cognitive and behavioral factors, in addition to physical or developmental factors.

(10) Each local educational agency shall ensure that:

(a) Tests and other evaluation materials used to assess a child are:

(i) Selected and administered so as not to be discriminatory on a racial or cultural basis; and

(ii) Provided and administered in the child's native language or other mode of communication, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so;

(b) Any standardized tests that are given to the child:

(i) Have been validated for the specific purpose for which they are used;

(ii) Are administered by trained and knowledgeable personnel; and

(iii) Are administered in accordance with any instructions provided by the producer of such tests;

(c) The child is assessed in all areas of suspected disability; and

(d) Assessment tools and strategies that provide relevant information that directly assist persons in determining the educational needs of the child are provided.

(11) Upon completion of administration of tests and other evaluation materials:

(a) The determination of whether the child is a child with a disability as defined under IDEA and state regulations established by the State Board of Education shall be made by a team of qualified professionals and the parent of the child and certified by a Screening Team as defined by the State Board of Education;

(b) In making such a determination of eligibility, a child shall not be determined to be a child with a disability if the determinant factor for such determination is lack of instruction in reading or math or limited English proficiency; and

(c) A copy of the evaluation report and the documentation of determination of eligibility will be given to the parent.

(12) Parents shall have an opportunity to obtain an independent educational evaluation of their child in accordance with the requirements under IDEA.

(13) An outside individual or entity contracting with a local educational agency for the purpose of performing an observation in order to make recommendations of possible changes in a child's IEP, or any outside individual or entity making an observation of a child which results in such recommendations, shall submit a report of the observation to the local educational agency. The local educational agency shall notify the parent upon receipt of this report.

(14) Parents and guardians shall have the right of review or to receive copies of all educational records, as such records are defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, pertaining to their child. The local educational agency shall be responsible for making the educational records available to the parent or guardian. The cost of providing a copy of any information contained in a student's educational record to the parents or guardians shall be established by the local school board in accordance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-141-6 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / 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. § 37-141-53 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 141-53
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-141-53
Status: in_force

(1) Applications for financial assistance shall be made to the University Research Center.

(2) Applicants may request up to seventy-five percent (75%) of the total projects cost. The applicant shall provide at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the total cost, twelve and one-half percent (12- 1 / 2 %) of which may be in in-kind funding.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-103-25 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 103-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-103-25
Status: in_force

(1) The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and the boards of trustees of the community colleges and junior colleges are authorized to prescribe the amount of tuition and fees to be paid by students attending the several state-supported institutions of higher learning and community colleges and junior colleges of the State of Mississippi.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and subsections (3) and (4) of this section, the total tuition to be paid by residents of other states shall not be less than the average cost per student from appropriated funds. However, the tuition to be paid by a resident of another state shall be equal to the tuition amount established under subsection (1) of this section if:

(a) The nonresident student is either a veteran, as defined by Title 38 of the United States Code, or a person entitled to education benefits under Title 38 of the United States Code. Nonresident students enrolled in a professional school or college at a state institution of higher learning are excluded from this paragraph (2)(a) except for those nonresident students who must be charged tuition equal to the amount established under subsection (1) due to the provisions of Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014. 1 This paragraph (a) shall be administered and interpreted in the manner necessary to obtain or retain approval of courses of education by the Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;

(b) The nonresident student is an evacuee of an area affected by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. This waiver shall be applicable to the 2005-2006 school year only.

(c) The nonresident student's out-of-state tuition was waived according to subsection (3) or (4) of this section.

(3) The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning may, in its discretion, consider and grant requests to approve institution specific policies permitting the waiver of out-of-state tuition when such an official request is made by the president or chancellor of the institution and when such request is determined by the board to be fiscally responsible and in accordance with the educational mission of the requesting institution.

(4) The board of trustees of any community college or junior college may develop and implement a policy for waiving out-of-state tuition for the college if the policy is determined by the board to be in accordance with the educational mission of the college and if a local industry or business or a state agency agrees to reimburse the college for the entire amount of the out-of-state tuition that will be waived under the policy. State funds shall be allocated and spent only on students who reside within the State of Mississippi. However, associate degree nursing students who reside outside the State of Mississippi may be counted for pay purposes.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-65 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 33-65
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-65
Status: in_force

Any individual applying for or receiving vocational rehabilitation services who is aggrieved by any action or inaction of the department shall be entitled, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the department, to a fair hearing.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-9-17 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 9-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-9-17
Status: in_force

(1) On or before April 1 of each year, the principal of each school shall recommend to the superintendent of the local school district the licensed employees or noninstructional employees to be employed for the school involved except those licensed employees or noninstructional employees who have been previously employed and who have a contract valid for the ensuing scholastic year. If such recommendations meet with the approval of the superintendent, the superintendent shall recommend the employment of such licensed employees or noninstructional employees to the local school board, and, unless good reason to the contrary exists, the board shall elect the employees so recommended. If, for any reason, the local school board shall decline to elect any employee so recommended, additional recommendations for the places to be filled shall be made by the principal to the superintendent and then by the superintendent to the local school board as provided above. The school board of any local school district shall be authorized to designate a personnel supervisor or another principal employed by the school district to recommend to the superintendent licensed employees or noninstructional employees; however, this authorization shall be restricted to no more than two (2) positions for each employment period for each school in the local school district. Any noninstructional employee employed upon the recommendation of a personnel supervisor or another principal employed by the local school district must have been employed by the local school district at the time the superintendent was elected or appointed to office; a noninstructional employee employed under this authorization may not be paid compensation in excess of the statewide average compensation for such noninstructional position with comparable experience, as established by the State Department of Education. The school board of any local school district shall be authorized to designate a personnel supervisor or another principal employed by the school district to accept the recommendations of principals or their designees for licensed employees or noninstructional employees and to transmit approved recommendations to the local school board; however, this authorization shall be restricted to no more than two (2) positions for each employment period for each school in the local school district.

When the licensed employees have been elected as provided in the preceding paragraph, the superintendent of the district shall enter into a contract with such persons in the manner provided in this chapter.

If, at the commencement of the scholastic year, any licensed employee shall present to the superintendent a license of a higher grade than that specified in such individual's contract, such individual may, if funds are available from the total funding formula funds of the district as provided for in Sections 37-151-200 through 37-151-215 , or from district funds, be paid from such funds the amount to which such higher grade license would have entitled the individual, had the license been held at the time the contract was executed.

(2) Superintendents/directors of schools under the purview of the State Board of Education, the superintendent of the local school district and any private firm under contract with the local public school district to provide substitute teachers to teach during the absence of a regularly employed schoolteacher shall require, through the appropriate governmental authority, that current criminal records background checks and current child abuse registry checks are obtained, and that such criminal record information and registry checks are on file for any new hires applying for employment as a licensed or nonlicensed employee at a school and not previously employed in such school under the purview of the State Board of Education or at such local school district prior to July 1, 2000. In order to determine the applicant's suitability for employment, the applicant shall be fingerprinted. If no disqualifying record is identified at the state level, the fingerprints shall be forwarded by the Department of Public Safety to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history record check. The fee for such fingerprinting and criminal history record check shall be paid by the applicant, not to exceed Fifty Dollars ($50.00); however, the State Board of Education, the school board of the local school district or a private firm under contract with a local school district to provide substitute teachers to teach during the temporary absence of the regularly employed schoolteacher, in its discretion, may elect to pay the fee for the fingerprinting and criminal history record check on behalf of any applicant. Under no circumstances shall a member of the State Board of Education, superintendent/director of schools under the purview of the State Board of Education, local school district superintendent, local school board member or any individual other than the subject of the criminal history record checks disseminate information received through any such checks except insofar as required to fulfill the purposes of this section. Any nonpublic school which is accredited or approved by the State Board of Education may avail itself of the procedures provided for herein and shall be responsible for the same fee charged in the case of local public schools of this state. The determination whether the applicant has a disqualifying crime, as set forth in subsection (3) of this section, shall be made by the appropriate governmental authority, and the appropriate governmental authority shall notify the private firm whether a disqualifying crime exists.

(3) If such fingerprinting or criminal record checks disclose a felony conviction, guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere to a felony of possession or sale of drugs, murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, rape, sexual battery, sex offense listed in Section 45-33-23(h) , child abuse, arson, grand larceny, burglary, gratification of lust or aggravated assault which has not been reversed on appeal or for which a pardon has not been granted, the new hire shall not be eligible to be employed at such school. Any employment contract for a new hire executed by the superintendent of the local school district or any employment of a new hire by a superintendent/director of a new school under the purview of the State Board of Education or by a private firm shall be voidable if the new hire receives a disqualifying criminal record check. However, the State Board of Education or the school board may, in its discretion, allow any applicant aggrieved by the employment decision under this section to appear before the respective board, or before a hearing officer designated for such purpose, to show mitigating circumstances which may exist and allow the new hire to be employed at the school. The State Board of Education or local school board may grant waivers for such mitigating circumstances, which shall include, but not be limited to: (a) age at which the crime was committed; (b) circumstances surrounding the crime; (c) length of time since the conviction and criminal history since the conviction; (d) work history; (e) current employment and character references; (f) other evidence demonstrating the ability of the person to perform the employment responsibilities competently and that the person does not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children at the school.

(4) No local school district, local school district employee, member of the State Board of Education or employee of a school under the purview of the State Board of Education shall be held liable in any employment discrimination suit in which an allegation of discrimination is made regarding an employment decision authorized under this Section 37-9-17 .

(5) The provisions of this section shall be fully applicable to licensed employees of the Mississippi School of the Arts (MSA), established in Section 37-140-3 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-155-27 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 155-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-155-27
Status: in_force

The provisions of this article are severable. If any part of this article is declared invalid or unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the part which remains.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-51-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 51-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-51-7
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the commission to receive and pass upon, allow or disallow, all applications for loans made by students who desire to receive a secular education in any of the grades one through twelve in any school in this state constituting a bona fide school as defined in a general regulation of the commission, other than in the free public school system of this state, and who are acceptable for enrollment in any approved nonfree school system. The commission may make such investigation into the financial status of the parents of such students who apply for loans as it deems advisable, to determine the extent of the need for said loan. The commission may prescribe such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

The commission shall have the authority to grant loans from the “state educational loan fund” to such applicants as are qualified to receive them and on such terms as may be prescribed by regulation of the commission and by this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-11 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 151-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-11
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education shall establish and design an annual program of awards for exemplary performing teachers in Mississippi's public school districts, to be called the “Mississippi Teacher of the Year” Award Program.

The board shall establish criteria and guidelines for making the annual award to one (1) exemplary performing teacher in Mississippi, which shall include a cash award of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to be paid by the State Department of Education pursuant to appropriation therefor and shall be unrestricted as to its use by the recipient. Such award shall be paid as a supplement to such teacher's contracted salary in the year subsequent to receiving the recognition.

The State Board of Education shall utilize such awards to bring the best teaching practices to the attention of other schools. The awards shall include public recognition by the local school board and the State Board of Education and the awarding of plaques, certificates and the monetary award for teachers that perform well.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-65-5 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 65-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-65-5
Status: in_force

Upon the closure of any such school, college, or institution of higher learning, no person shall go or enter upon the premises thereof except with the permission or approval of said governor, and any other person going or entering upon said premises shall be a trespasser and guilty of a misdemeanor under the laws of the State of Mississippi. Upon conviction thereof, such person shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), or be imprisoned in the county jail for not more than thirty days, or be both so fined and imprisoned.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-68-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 68-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-68-7
Status: in_force

(1) There is established the Equity in Distance Learning Grant Program which shall be administered by the department for the purpose of reimbursing schools for eligible expenses incurred in funding their distance learning plans, and in facilitating safe classroom and remote instruction.

(2) Subject to appropriations by the Legislature, allocations to schools shall be made based on net enrollment, as defined in Section 37-151-201 . For any school not funded under the total funding formula, the department shall calculate the net enrollment equivalent or fund the school based on enrollment.

(3) Subject to the provisions of this chapter, and other applicable federal law and regulations, schools shall have the authority to use the funds provided in this grant program in a way which best facilitates their distance learning plan, and safe classroom or remote instruction.

(4) Schools are highly encouraged to commit a portion of their federal ESSER funds, above the amount required by Section 37-68-11(b) , as supplemental matching funds to offset the total cost of purchasing sufficient electronic devices, technological supports and systems of service for its distance learning plan.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-25-17 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 25-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-25-17
Status: in_force

Such assessments as are collected under subsections (1) and (2) of Section 99-19-73 shall be deposited in the Driver Training Penalty Assessment Fund, which fund is hereby created, to be used exclusively as provided in this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-160-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 160-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-160-3
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Grantee ” means the Mississippi office of Teach For America, Inc., known as “Teach For America Delta.”

(b) “ High need school district ” means a school district experiencing a shortage of highly qualified teachers and includes, but is not necessarily limited to, those school districts in a geographical area of the state designated by the State Board of Education as having a critical shortage of teachers under the Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Act of 1998 ( Sections 37-159-1 through 37-159-17 ).
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-423 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 29-423
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-423
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College District, in the discretion of the board of trustees, may charge fees and tuitions in accordance with Section 37-103-25 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-14-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 14-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-14-3
Status: in_force

(1) The State Department of Education is designated as the state agency responsible for the administration and supervision of the school nurse program as an education and wellness curriculum in the public schools of the State of Mississippi. The public school nurse program administered by the State Department of Education shall be known and may be cited as the “Mary Kirkpatrick Haskell-Mary Sprayberry Public School Nurse Program.” It is the intent of the Legislature that all funds made available to the State Department of Education for the purpose of employing school nurses shall be administered by the State Department of Education.

(2) The State Department of Education, through the Office of Healthy Schools, shall develop standards, procedures and criteria for the public school nurse programs in Kindergarten through Grade 12. The Office of Healthy Schools of the State Department of Education shall assume the responsibility for promoting a statewide school nurse program designed to prepare local school districts to incorporate the school program into their local educational programs.

(3) From and after July 1, 2007, the School Nurse Intervention Program administered and funded by the State Department of Health shall be transferred to the Office of Healthy Schools of the State Department of Education. Any administrative personnel employed by the State Department of Health for the administration of school nurses under the School Nurse Intervention Program may be considered for employment by the Office of Healthy Schools of the State Department of Education for the purpose of coordinating the employment of school nurses in the school districts. Any administrative personnel formerly employed by the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi, Inc., for the administration of school nurses in the public schools may be considered for employment by the Office of Healthy Schools of the State Department of Education for the purpose of coordinating the employment of school nurses in the school districts. All records and unexpended balances of accounts in the School Nurse Intervention Program relating to the employment of school nurses shall be transferred to the Office of Healthy Schools in the State Department of Education in accordance with the transfer of responsibility under this chapter.

(4) The nurses in the Mary Kirkpatrick Haskell-Mary Sprayberry Public School Nurse Program shall have the following specific responsibilities:

(a) Serve as the coordinator of the health services program and provide nursing care;

(b) Provide health education to students;

(c) Implement activities to promote health and prevent tobacco, alcohol and substance use and abuse;

(d) Identify health and safety concerns in the school environment and promote a nurturing social environment;

(e) Administer medications and help students manage their health problems;

(f) Support healthy food services programs;

(g) Promote healthy physical education, sports policies and practices;

(h) Promote dropout prevention programs; and

(i) Participate in allied health programs to introduce students to health careers.

(5) The Office of Healthy Schools of the State Department of Education shall provide resources to all public school nurses so that those schools with school nurses will be prepared to provide health education in Mississippi schools and support the Mississippi Comprehensive Health Framework, Mississippi Physical Education Framework, Wellness Policy, coordinated approach to school health, and other resources required by the State Board of Education.

(6) In administering the Mary Kirkpatrick Haskell-Mary Sprayberry Public School Nurse Program, the Office of Healthy Schools of the State Department of Education shall perform the following duties:

(a) Execute any contracts, agreements or other documents with any governmental agency or any person, corporation, association, partnership or other organization or entity that are necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter;

(b) Receive grants or any other contributions made to the State Board of Education to be used for specific purposes related to the goals of this chapter;

(c) Submit to the State Auditor any financial records that are necessary for the Auditor to perform an annual audit of the commission as required by law;

(d) Adopt any rules or regulations that are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter;

(e) Develop criteria to measure the effectiveness of a school nurse;

(f) Communicate to superintendents and principals how to maximize the effectiveness of a public school nurse;

(g) Develop recommended salary structure for school districts to use when hiring a school nurse;

(h) Communicate to superintendents, principals and other appropriate school officials regarding the statutes and regulations prohibiting the use of tobacco by school personnel on school property and at school events, and to monitor the effectiveness of this ban;

(i) Implement policies to reduce unnecessary paperwork by public school nurses; and

(j) Take any other actions that are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-565 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 29-565
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-565
Status: in_force

The Coahoma Community College District is charged with the responsibility for providing preprofessional courses, liberal arts, technical, vocational and adult education courses, and shall undertake to provide the same as conveniently as is possible to the residents of the district, and to this end the board of trustees is authorized and empowered to transport such students as, in its discretion, should be transported in the best interest of the district.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-175 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 33-175
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-175
Status: in_force

(1) Within the limits of the funds available to the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for such purpose, the Executive Director may grant a paid internship to students pursuing junior or senior undergraduate-level year coursework toward a bachelor's degree in a program that qualifies the individual to qualify to become a rehabilitation specialist or a benefit program specialist within the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. Those applicants deemed qualified shall receive funds that may be used to pay for tuition, books and related fees to pursue their degree. It is the intent of the Legislature that the paid internship program (hereinafter referred to as the “program”) shall be used as an incentive for students to develop job-related skills and to encourage careers as rehabilitation specialists or benefits programs specialists at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.

(2) In order to be eligible for the program, an applicant must:

(a) Attend any college or school approved and designated by the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.

(b) Have successfully obtained a minimum of fifty-eight (58) semester hours toward a bachelor's degree in an eligible field as determined by the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services from a Mississippi institution of higher learning. Applicants must have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) on these semester hours of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. If accepted into the internship program, participants shall maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all coursework counted toward a bachelor's degree in an eligible field as determined by the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.

(c) Work at least a total of three hundred (300) hours each summer at a Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services' (MDRS) offices that is mutually agreed upon between MDRS and the respective intern.

(d) Agree to work as a rehabilitation specialist or a benefit program specialist at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services upon graduation for a period of time equivalent to one (1) year for each semester the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services remits payment for tuition, books and/or related fees towards a bachelors degree in an eligible field as determined by the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.

(3)(a) Before being placed into the program, each applicant shall enter into a contract with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, which shall be deemed a contract with the State of Mississippi, agreeing to the terms and conditions upon which the internship shall be granted to him or her. 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 Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services and the participant.

(b) Upon entry into the program, participants will become employees of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services during their time in the program and shall be eligible for benefits such as medical insurance paid by the agency for the participant; however, in accordance with Section 25-11-105II.(b), those participants shall not become members of the Public Employees' Retirement System while participating in the program. Participants shall not accrue personal or major medical leave while they are in the program.

(c) The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services shall have the authority to cancel any contract made between it and any program participant upon such cause being deemed sufficient by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.

(d) The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services is vested with full and complete authority and power to sue in its own name any participant for any damages due the state on any such uncompleted contract, which suit shall be filed and handled by the Attorney General of the state. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services may contract with a collection agency or banking institution, subject to approval by the Attorney General, for collection of any damages due the state from any participant. The State of Mississippi, the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services 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 Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, collection agency and banking institution may negotiate for the payment of a sum that is less than full payment in order to satisfy any damages the participant owes the state, subject to approval by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.

(4)(a) Any recipient who is accepted into the program by the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services and who fails to complete undergraduate level coursework toward an approved degree, or withdraws from school at any time before completing his or her education, shall be liable to repay the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for all monies received during the time the recipient was in the program, at the rate of pay received by the employee while in the program, including benefits paid by the agency for the participant, and monies received for tuition, books and related fees used to pursue their degree with interest accruing at ten percent (10%) per annum from the date the recipient failed or withdrew from school. The recipient also shall not be liable for repayment for any money earned during the required summer hours. This money shall be considered earned by the recipient at the federal minimum wage rate.

(b) All paid internship compensation received by the recipient while in school shall be considered earned conditioned upon the fulfillment of the terms and obligations of the paid internship contract and this section. However, no recipient of the paid internship shall accrue personal or major medical leave while the recipient is pursuing junior or senior undergraduate-level year coursework toward a bachelor's degree in a program that qualifies the individual to qualify to become a rehabilitation specialist or a benefit program specialist within the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. The recipient shall not be liable for liquidated damages.

(c) If the recipient does not work as a rehabilitation specialist or a benefit program specialist at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for the period required under subsection (2)(d) 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 in the program 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 the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, whichever is the later date.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-37-13 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 37-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-37-13
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education shall include reporting standards for school districts as part of the standards for accreditation of school districts. These standards shall include penalties within the accreditation system for adverse findings resulting from any reviews or audits conducted under this chapter or through any reviews the State Department of Education may make.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-123 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 29-123
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-123
Status: in_force

In any such case the board of trustees of such junior college district by resolution or order, shall declare its intention to borrow any sum not in excess of the limitation fixed in Section 37-29-121 , and shall recite in said resolution or order with reasonable particulars the purpose for which said funds are to be borrowed, and shall fix a schedule of amounts and dates of maturities by which such loans shall be repaid. Such resolution or order shall be duly recorded in the permanent minutes of the board of trustees of such institution. All such loans shall be fully repaid within six years, and they shall be evidenced by notes signed by the president and secretary of the board of trustees, which shall bear appropriate reference to the resolution or order of the board of trustees authorizing such loan. Such loan shall be retired in installments of not less than one-fifth the amount thereof on the first day of April of the year next succeeding the date of such loan and an equal amount on the same date of each and every year thereafter until said loan is paid.

Notes issued in evidence of such loans shall bear interest at a rate of not to exceed four percent (4%) per annum, all interest payable semi-annually, and no such note shall be sold or negotiated by said institution for less than par and accrued interest. Funds received by such institution from the sale or negotiation of any such notes shall be paid into the treasury of the institution and disbursed as other funds thereof are disbursed, but for no other purpose than that authorized by Section 37-29-121 .

Such notes shall be lithographed, or engraved, and printed in two or more colors to prevent counterfeiting. Such notes shall bear the signature of the junior college issuing the same, by the president and secretary of the board of trustees thereof. They shall be impressed with the seal of such institution. Interest coupons attached may bear the facsimile signatures of the aforesaid officers of the board of trustees. Before negotiation or sale and delivery thereof, said notes shall be registered in a book kept in the business office of such institution.

All indebtedness so created shall be paid from first funds derived from tax levies for maintenance and operation of said school coming into the treasury thereof and from fees, rentals and other charges as provided in Section 37-29-125 . In order to secure the prompt payment of any and all indebtedness, whether of principal or interest incurred hereunder, a special fund shall be established in the depository of the funds of said institution, the style of which shall be, “debt retirement fund of __________ junior college district,” and immediately upon receipt of the distribution of said first funds derived from such tax levies, annually hereafter in advance of the due date of each and every installment of said indebtedness, a sufficient sum from said taxes shall be paid into said special fund for the retirement of all principal and interest coming due within said year equal to the difference, if any, between such principal and interest and the amount collected from fees, rentals and other charges, as provided in Section 37-29-125 . Said debt retirement fund shall be used for no other purpose than for the payment of principal and interest of indebtedness incurred hereunder.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-419 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-419
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-419
Status: in_force

The various school districts which may become parties to any such agreement are authorized to appropriate and expend for the purposes thereof any and all funds which may be required to carry out the terms of any such agreement from any funds available to any such party to such an agreement not otherwise appropriated without limitation as to the source of such funds, including total funding formula funds as provided for in Sections 37-151-200 through 37-151-215 , sixteenth section funds, funds received from the federal government or other sources by way of grant, donation or otherwise, and funds which may be available to any such party through the State Department of Education or any other agency of the state, regardless of the party to such agreement designated thereby to be primarily responsible for the construction or operation of any such regional high school center and regardless of the limitation on the expenditure of any such funds imposed by any other statute. However, no such funds whose use was originally limited to the construction of capital improvements shall be utilized for the purpose of defraying the administrative or operating costs of any such center. Any one or more of the parties to such an agreement may be designated as the fiscal agent or contracting party in carrying out any of the purposes of such agreement, and any and all funds authorized to be spent therefor by any of the said parties may be paid over to the fiscal agent or contracting party for disbursement by such fiscal agent or contracting party. Such disbursements shall be made and contracted for under the laws and regulations applicable to such fiscal or disbursing agent. All of the school district parties to any such agreement may issue bonds, negotiable notes or other evidences of indebtedness for the purpose of providing funds for the acquisition of land and for the construction of buildings and permanent improvements under the terms of any such agreement under any existing laws authorizing the issuance or sale thereof to provide funds for any capital improvement.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-205 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 151-205
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-205
Status: in_force

(1) The preliminary weighted enrollment of each school district and charter school under Sections 37-151-200 through 37-151-215 is determined by applying the weights prescribed in this section, none of which are mutually exclusive of another, to each applicable school district or charter school's net enrollment, as determined by Section 37-151-207 . To determine additional funding authorized under this section, the number of students in a school district that are identified as the applicable weight shall be calculated as a percentage of the students in the school district. Such amount shall be referred to as the “percentage of applicable students.”

(2) For students identified as low-income, as defined in Section 37-151-201 , the percentage of applicable students in the school district is multiplied by thirty one-hundredths ( 30 / 100 ), and then multiplied by net enrollment.

(3) For students identified as English Language Learners, as defined in Section 37-151-201 , the percentage of applicable students in the school district is multiplied by fifteen one-hundredths ( 15 / 100 ), and then multiplied by net enrollment.

(4) The following weights are applied to students who are identified as entitled to and receiving services in a special education program:

(a) Tier I: For students diagnosed with a specific learning disability, speech and language impairment, or developmental delay, the percentage of applicable students in the school district is multiplied by sixty one-hundredths ( 60 / 100 ), and then multiplied by net enrollment.

(b) Tier II: For students diagnosed with autism, hearing impairment, emotional disability, orthopedic impairment, intellectual disability, or other health impairment, the percentage of applicable students in the school district is multiplied by one hundred ten one-hundredths (1 10 / 100 ), and then multiplied by net enrollment.

(c) Tier III: For students diagnosed with visual impairment, deaf-blindness, multiple disabilities, or traumatic brain injury, the percentage of applicable students in the school district is multiplied by one hundred thirty one-hundredths (1 30 / 100 ), and then multiplied by net enrollment.

For the purpose of student counts, a student entitled to and receiving special education services may not be included under more than one (1) tier prescribed in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this subsection. A student having multiple diagnoses must be counted under the highest tier applicable to that student.

(5) A weight of five percent (5%) is applied to five percent (5%) of a school district or charter school's net enrollment for the purpose of providing gifted education, regardless of the number of students in a school district or charter school that have been identified as gifted students: the total number of students in net enrollment in a school district or charter school, as determined by Section 37-151-207 , is multiplied by five one-hundredths ( 5 / 100 ), which is again multiplied by five one-hundredths ( 5 / 100 ).

(6) For Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Grade students enrolled in a career and technical education course, as defined in Section 37-151-201 , the percentage of applicable students in the school district is multiplied by ten one-hundredths ( 10 / 100 ), and then multiplied by net enrollment. Students enrolled in multiple career and technical education courses are counted once.

(7) In each school district or charter school where the number of students identified as low income, as defined in Section 37-151-201 , exceeds thirty-five percent (35%) of the school district or charter school's net enrollment, a weight of ten percent (10%) is applied only to the number of low income students in excess of the number of low income students which constitute thirty-five percent (35%) of net enrollment. The number of students eligible for this weight is calculated by subtracting the number of students equivalent to thirty-five percent (35%) of the net enrollment of that school district or charter school from the total number of students in that school district or charter school identified as low income: if the total percentage of applicable students identified in subsection (2) exceeds thirty-five percent (35%) of the school district or charter school's total net enrollment, as determined in Section 37-151-207 , the difference between the total percentage of applicable students identified in subsection (2) and thirty-five percent (35%) of the school district or charter school's total net enrollment is multiplied by ten one-hundredths ( 10 / 100 ), and then multiplied by net enrollment.

(8) The final weighted enrollment of each school district and charter school under the total funding formula as provided for in Sections 37-151-200 through 37-151-215 is determined as follows:

(a) The final weighted enrollment for each school district or charter school that is not classified as a sparsely populated district or charter school, as defined in Section 37-151-201 , is equivalent to the preliminary weighted enrollment of that school district or charter school, as determined in subsections (1) through (7) of this section: the State Department of Education shall add to the school district or charter school's net enrollment, as determined under Section 37-151-207 , each of the additional figures calculated in accordance with subsections (2) through (7), and this total is the final weighted enrollment.

(b) The final weighted enrollment for each sparsely populated district or charter school, as defined in Section 37-151-201 , is determined by multiplying the sparsity weight by the preliminary weighted enrollment, as determined in subsections (1) through (7) of this section, and then adding that figure to the preliminary weighted enrollment. To calculate the final weighted enrollment, the State Department of Education shall add to the school district or charter school's net enrollment, each of the additional figures calculated in accordance with subsections (2) through (7) to determine the preliminary weighted enrollment, multiply this figure by the sparsity weight as determined below, and add this resulting number to the preliminary weighted enrollment to find the final weighted enrollment. To calculate the sparsity weight, the State Department of Education shall find the difference between the number of students per square mile in that district or charter school and a sparsity threshold of eight (8) students per square mile, and then shall divide the resulting figure by one hundred (100) to create a percentage: for example, if the number of students per square mile in a district is three (3), the difference is five (5) (eight (8) minus three (3)), and the sparsity weight is five percent (5%), or five one-hundredths ( 5 / 100 ).
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-12-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 12-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-12-7
Status: in_force

Students in public schools may pray or engage in religious activities or religious expression before, during and after the school day in the same manner and to the same extent that students may engage in nonreligious activities or expression. Students may organize prayer groups, religious clubs, “see you at the pole” gatherings, or 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 students' expression. If student groups that meet for nonreligious activities are permitted to advertise or announce meetings of the groups, the school district may not discriminate against groups that meet for prayer or other religious speech. A school district may disclaim school sponsorship of noncurricular groups and events in a manner that neither favors nor disfavors groups that meet to engage in prayer or religious speech.

Students in public schools may wear clothing, accessories and jewelry that display religious messages or religious symbols in the same manner and to the same extent that other types of clothing, accessories and jewelry that display messages or symbols are permitted.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-129-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 129-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-129-3
Status: in_force

No provision of this section and Section 37-129-1 shall apply to or in any wise affect the school of nursing heretofore established in the University of Mississippi pursuant to Section 37-115-51 , and no provision of this section and Section 37-129-1 shall apply to or affect the scholarship program for advanced study in nursing established under Sections 37-129-5 through 37-129-13 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-41-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 41-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-41-1
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education is authorized, empowered and directed to promulgate rules and regulations relating to the transportation of students enrolled in the public school districts, including rules and regualtions 1 for:

(a) Setting standards for public school district bus routes;

(b) Setting standards for public school district buses;

(c) Setting standards for public school district bus drivers;

(d) Formulating procedure for selecting public school district bus drivers;

(e) Formulating courses of training for public school district bus drivers and mechanics, and assist in administering and financing such courses;

(f) Providing operation procedure for public school district buses to insure safety of pupils;

(g) Formulating specifications for use in purchasing public school district buses; getting bids on public school district buses; equipment and supplies; and fixing prices based upon said bids which school districts may not exceed in purchasing said equipment;

(h) Formulating specifications for use by school districts in purchasing used school buses; and

(i) Providing a system of records and reports for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of Sections 37-41-1 through 37-41-51 , and providing the superintendent of schools with a sufficient supply of report forms.

All rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the State Board of Education relating to school district bus drivers shall also be applicable to drivers of privately owned buses transporting public school district children.

All rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the State Board of Education pursuant to the authority conferred by this section shall be spread at large upon the minutes of the State Board of Education and copies thereof shall be furnished to all school boards not less than thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of such rules and regulations.

The provisions of this chapter are applicable to school districts and the transportation of students enrolled in public school districts. Charter schools authorized by the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board are exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-99 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 151-99
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-99
Status: in_force

Based upon the information obtained pursuant to Section 37-151-207(3) and upon such other and further information as provided by law, the State Department of Education shall, on or before June 1 of each year, or as soon thereafter as is practical, furnish each school board and charter school the preliminary estimate of the amount each will receive from the total funding formula provided in Sections 37-151-200 through 37-151-215 for the succeeding scholastic year, and at the same time shall furnish each such school board with a tentative estimate of the cost of the local minimum tax effort for the total funding formula in the school district and the local contribution for the school district and each charter school for such succeeding fiscal year.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-138-23 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 138-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-138-23
Status: in_force

The commission may deny to issue or renew any certificate required by Sections 37-138-11 through 37-138-21 if (a) there has been a failure to comply with the application procedures established by this chapter and by regulations promulgated by the commission, or (b) if the applicant fails to satisfy the application criteria established by this chapter and by regulations promulgated by the commission, or (c) if the applicant fails to pay the applicable annual certificate fee.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-401 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 29-401
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-401
Status: in_force

There is hereby created a junior college district comprised of the territory lying within Harrison, Stone, George and Jackson Counties and having boundaries coinciding with the external boundaries thereof.

The name of the said junior college district shall be the Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College District of Mississippi and the said district shall be and the same is hereby constituted a legal political governmental subdivision and a body corporate.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-37-13 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 37-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-37-13
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education shall include reporting standards for school districts as part of the standards for accreditation of school districts. These standards shall include penalties within the accreditation system for adverse findings resulting from any reviews or audits conducted under this chapter or through any reviews the State Department of Education may make.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-59-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 59-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-59-7
Status: in_force

(1)(a) Any school district in which the total number of pupils enrolled at any one time during the school year shall have increased by at least twenty percent (20%) or an average of three hundred fifty (350) or more annually within the preceding five (5) years, shall not issue bonds for the purposes authorized by law in an amount which when added to all of its then outstanding bonded indebtedness, shall result in the imposition on any of the property in such district of an indebtedness for school purposes of more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the assessed value of the taxable property within such district according to the then last completed assessment for taxation.

(b) Any school district in which the total number of pupils enrolled at any one time during the school year shall have increased by at least ten percent (10%) within the preceding five (5) years shall not issue bonds for the purposes authorized by law in an amount which, when added to all of its then outstanding bonded indebtedness, shall result in the imposition on any of the property in such district of an indebtedness for school purposes of more than twenty percent (20%) of the assessed value of the taxable property within such district according to the then last completed assessment for taxation.

(c) The pupil increase mentioned in this subsection shall apply only to growth in pupil enrollment and shall not apply to pupil increases brought about by consolidation of school districts.

(2) Any school district may hereafter issue bonds in an amount exceeding the limit of Section 37-59-5 for the purpose of constructing, reconstructing, repairing, equipping, remodeling or enlarging school buildings and related facilities, as described in subsection (a) of Section 37-59-3 , but no such district shall issue bonds in an amount which when added to all of its then outstanding bonded indebtedness, shall result in the imposition on any of the property in such district of an indebtedness for such school purposes of more than twenty percent (20%) of the assessed value of the taxable property in such district, according to the then last completed assessment for taxation, regardless of whether any of such indebtedness shall have been incurred by such district or by another school district or districts:

(a) In the event of the damage to or destruction of any school building or school buildings, or related facilities of any such district by fire, windstorm, flood or other providential and unforeseeable cause; or

(b) In the event such school district has lost its accreditation and the constructing, reconstructing, repairing, equipping, remodeling or enlarging of such school buildings and related facilities is necessary for the restoration of such accreditation; or

(c) In the event of the establishment of the Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District as authorized in Section 37-7-104.3(8) and (9) .

(3) In any school district wherein more than nine percent (9%) of the total land area of the school district is owned by the federal government and situated in a flood control reservoir or maintained as a part of the national forest system, the said school district may issue bonds in an amount, which when added to all of its then outstanding bonded indebtedness for school purposes, shall result in the imposition on any of the property in such school district of an indebtedness for school purposes of not more than twenty percent (20%) of the assessed value of the taxable property within such district, according to the then last completed assessment for taxation, regardless of whether any of such indebtedness shall have been incurred by such district or by another school district or districts. If bonds in an amount in excess of fifteen percent (15%) of the total assessed value of the property of a school district are issued under the provisions of this subsection, not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the total funds received by the school district under the provisions of Section 49-19-23, Mississippi Code of 1972 , shall be paid into the bond and interest sinking fund of such district and used for the retirement of the bonds so issued.

(4) In any district where the assessed valuation per pupil is less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the average of all school districts, such school district may issue bonds for the purposes authorized by Section 37-59-3 in an amount exceeding the fifteen percent (15%) debt limitation set forth in Section 37-59-5 , but not exceeding an amount which, when added to all of the school district's then outstanding bonded indebtedness, shall result in the imposition on any of the property in such district of an indebtedness for such school purposes of more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the assessed value of the taxable property in such district, according to the then last completed assessment for taxation if:

(a) The board of trustees or board of education of the school district adopts a resolution finding that issuing bonds in an amount exceeding the limitation stated in Section 37-59-5 is necessary to provide or maintain adequate educational facilities within the school district; and

(b) The notice of the bond election required by Section 37-59-13 contains a provision notifying the qualified electors in the school district:

(i) Of the fact that the proposed bonds, if issued, will exceed the fifteen percent (15%) debt limit contained in Section 37-59-5 ; and

(ii) Of the reasons why the school district is proposing to exceed said limitation;

(c) The election is held and the proposed bond issue receives the requisite voter approval as set forth in Section 37-59-17 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-87 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 29-87
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-87
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of any public junior college district is hereby authorized, in its sole discretion, to convey real property and improvements thereon to any county within the junior college district without the necessity of advertising for and receiving bids and without receiving compensation therefor, provided the following requirements are met:

(a) Where the county received title to the property and conveyed said property to the board of trustees of the junior college district, or where the board of trustees of such district received title to the property from any source and the purchase price therefor was paid by the county, for the purpose of operating an attendance center; and

(b) Where the board of trustees of the junior college district has not received approvals from necessary state agencies or authorities to use said land for the operation of an attendance center; and

(c) Where said board of trustees has adopted a resolution that such land and improvements are not needed for junior college purposes and expressing the desire to convey such land and improvements back to the county.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-233 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 153-233
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-233
Status: in_force

(1) The 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) COVID-19 and the closing of or reduction in services at rural hospitals created an unprecedented demand on emergency medical response providers.

(c) Consequently, the number of paramedics decreased in the State of Mississippi by approximately nineteen percent (19%).

(d) The lack of paramedics directly impacts all Mississippians ability to rely on quality emergency care.

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

(a) To provide funding to the Office of Workforce Development to establish a scholarship program for the purposes outlined herein.

(b) To provide funding for grants to cover the full cost of tuition, fees, books and any required uniforms for qualified applicants to attend an accredited paramedic program.

(c) To provide funding for grants to reimburse the cost of a qualified applicant's fee for the successful completion of the National Registry Paramedic cognitive and psychomotor examinations.

(d) To gauge the effectiveness of this program by gathering data related to the participation and employment outcomes in order to replicate successful efforts in future workforce development programs.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-27 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 106-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-27
Status: in_force

The board shall have full authority to deal with the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae) and to participate in any and all of its programs, including investment in its stock, and to deal with and to participate in any programs of any other secondary market for student loans.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-159 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 33-159
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-159
Status: in_force

The State Board of Rehabilitation Services shall appoint an Executive Director of the State Department of Rehabilitation Services, in accordance with standards established by the State Personnel Board and on the basis of his education, training, experience and demonstrated ability. The executive director shall serve as secretary and executive officer of the board, and he shall serve at the will and pleasure of the board. The salary of the executive director shall be set by the board, subject to the approval of the State Personnel Board, and shall be provided for out of any funds made available for such purpose by the Legislature, the federal government or other gifts or grants. The executive director shall be responsible to the board for the proper administration of the programs of rehabilitation provided under this chapter in conformity with the policies adopted by the board and shall be responsible for appointing directors of offices and any necessary supervisors, assistants and employees. The salary and compensation of such employees shall be subject to the rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the State Personnel Board as created under Section 25-9-101 et seq.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 23-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-3
Status: in_force

(1) An exceptional child shall be defined as any child as herein defined, in the age range birth through twenty (20) years of age with an intellectual disability, hearing impairments (including deafness), speech or language impairments, visual impairments (including blindness), emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairments, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairments, or specific learning disabilities and, by reason thereof, needs special education and related services. Such children shall be determined by competent professional persons in such disciplines as medicine, psychology, special education, speech pathology and social work and shall be considered exceptional children for the purposes of Sections 37-23-1 through 37-23-159 . Such professional persons shall be approved by the State Department of Education. The mandate for the provision of educational programs to exceptional children shall only apply to the children in the age range three (3) through twenty (20). Children who are potentially in need of special educational and related services must be considered for the services on an individual basis.

(2) During the fiscal year 1995 and fiscal year 1996, the State Department of Education shall conduct a pilot project in one or more school districts which shall test the method of providing language services described in this subsection. For purposes of this pilot project, a child with a disability as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) may not be denied language services because his measured cognitive functioning is equivalent to or lower than his measured functioning level in the language area. In order for language services to be provided for a child, the measured functioning level of the child in the language area must indicate a delay relative to the child's chronological age. Individual determination of a child's needs must take into consideration the need for development in the language area, the need for support for basic adaptive skills in language development and the extent to which the child's lack of ability in the language area may have interfered with academic achievement or development milestones. In the area of language development, a child's need of alternative or augmentative communication modes and the need for language development must be considered fundamental in making their determination of need for services.

(3) The State Department of Education shall report to the Education Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate by December 1, 1995, and December 1, 1996, on the results of the pilot project described in subsection (2) of this section. Such reports shall include, but not be limited to, the project; the number and ages of the children who applied for participation and who did participate in the pilot project; and evaluation of the benefits obtained by the children who participated in the pilot project; an estimate of the number of children who would likely utilize similar services if provided on a statewide basis; and an estimate of the cost of providing such services on a statewide basis.

(4) The State Board of Education shall promulgate regulations which ensure services are provided to children as such services are defined in this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-59-115 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 59-115
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-59-115
Status: in_force

The indebtedness incurred under the authority of this article shall not be included in computing the statutory limitation upon the indebtedness which may be incurred by school districts as provided in Article 1 of this chapter, or any other statute, but shall be in addition thereto. The only limitation upon the amount of indebtedness which may be incurred under the provisions of this article shall be that provided in Section 37-59-107 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-31-77 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 31-77
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-31-77
Status: in_force

It is expressly provided that any payment from the funds of one (1) governmental authority into the funds of any other governmental authority made in compliance with provisions of Sections 37-31-71 through 37-31-79 , shall not be charged against homestead exemption reimbursements under the provisions of Section 27-33-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, or any other similar statute.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-159-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 159-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-159-1
Status: in_force

Sections 37-159-1 through 37-159-19 shall be known and may be cited as the “Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Act of 1998.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-453 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 29-453
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-453
Status: in_force

The Copiah-Lincoln Junior College District shall be under the executive direction of a president elected by the board of trustees of said district for a term not to exceed four (4) years.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-17 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 33-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-17
Status: in_force

The director, with the approval of the executive director and the state board, may accept and use gifts and donations made unconditionally or otherwise for carrying out the purposes of the Vocational Rehabilitation Law, from either public or private sources. Gifts made under such conditions as in the judgment of the state board are proper and consistent with the provisions of that law may be so accepted and shall be held, invested, reinvested and used in accordance with the conditions of the gift. All monies received as gifts or donations, except conditional gifts requiring other treatments, shall be deposited in the State Treasury and shall constitute a permanent fund to be called the “Special Fund for the Vocational Rehabilitation of Individuals with Disabilities” and shall be used by the state board for such purposes. The state board shall make a report annually to the Legislature setting forth the condition of vocational rehabilitation of eligible individuals with disabilities in Mississippi, the expenditures made from state and federal funds in carrying out the provisions of that law or its purpose, and a detailed statement of all gifts and donations offered and accepted, together with the names of donors and the respective amounts prescribed by each and all the disbursements made therefrom.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-147-15 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 147-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-147-15
Status: in_force

(1) With the approval of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, any university may form, pursuant to the provisions of the Mississippi Nonprofit Corporation Act or the Mississippi Business Corporation Act, one or more research corporations, separate and apart from the state and the university, to promote, develop and administer enterprises arising from research or technological innovations in order to take advantage of opportunities of scientific, educational and economic development.

(2) Each such corporation shall be governed by, and all of the functions, powers and duties of it shall be exercised by, a board of directors appointed by the president of the university. Members of the board of directors may include the president of the university, officers and employees of the university, and other persons selected by the president of the university. Officers and employees of the university may have ownership or financial interests in such corporations.

(3) The board of directors of each such corporation shall adopt bylaws, in accordance with the provisions of the Mississippi Nonprofit Corporation Act or the Mississippi Business Corporation Act, as appropriate, governing the conduct of the corporation in the performance of its duties under its charter and this act.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-51 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 113-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-51
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning is hereby authorized and directed to establish a college of veterinary medicine at Mississippi State University at Starkville, Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-27 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 113-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-27
Status: in_force

In order to provide for a more comprehensive method of improvement, promotion and development of agricultural research at the Delta Branch Experiment Station, the tax collector of each county of the State of Mississippi located in whole or in part in a levee district, shall deduct annually from all state ad valorem taxes collected by him a sum equal to the avails of a levy of one mill on the dollar of the assessed valuation of taxable property within such county upon which state ad valorem taxes are levied and collected, provided that such county in its discretion levies the one-fourth mill provided for in the third paragraph of this section. Said tax collector is hereby authorized and directed to pay same to Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science.

Any funds so paid to said university shall be used for agricultural research at the Delta Branch Experiment Station, with primary attention being given to a cotton research program and for providing needed laboratories and other facilities and equipment for agricultural research.

The board of supervisors of any county coming within the provisions of this section shall be authorized to levy, at the time and in the manner other county tax levies are made, and such levy shall be made as a condition precedent to the operation of this section in such county, an ad valorem tax of one-fourth mill against all of the taxable property of such county. Said ad valorem tax levy shall be collected as other taxes are collected, and shall be paid into a special fund of such county and shall be paid over to the Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science and shall be used at the Delta Branch Experiment Station for agricultural research, with primary attention being given to a cotton research program and for providing laboratories and other facilities and equipment for agricultural research. Such tax levy shall be in addition to all other levies now authorized by law, and no limitation or inhibition now in the statute against the levying of such a tax shall be effective against such levy. Such one-fourth mill ad valorem levies shall not be reimbursed under the Mississippi homestead exemption laws.

In the event similar diversions are already made from the avails of the state ad valorem tax levy in such a county, then this section shall be considered as supplemental thereto, and such laws authorizing such diversions shall not apply to the provisions of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 13-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-3
Status: in_force

No doctrinal, sectarian or denominational teaching shall be permitted in public schools of this state. It shall be the duty of the county superintendents of education and the superintendents of municipal separate school districts to enforce the provisions of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-117-11 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 117-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-117-11
Status: in_force

The privilege of rooming in the dormitories at the Mississippi State College for Women belongs to the free students, and to the due quota of girls from each county, in preference to all others. The basis of apportionment is hereby fixed at the present dormitory capacity. However, this provision shall not be construed to exclude pupils from free tuition who pay their board elsewhere.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-353 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 7-353
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-353
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds and declares that there exists an urgent shortage of adequate public school facilities, equipment and capital with which to provide such facilities and equipment for the attainment of a satisfactory level of public education in the schools of this state, and that this situation has become a critical priority of many school districts in order to provide adequate space for kindergarten programs as mandated by the Education Reform Act of 1982. It is the purpose of Sections 37-7-351 through 37-7-359 to provide the boards of trustees of the school districts of this state with additional options with which to provide for facilities, equipment and other property necessary, in the judgment of the boards of trustees of such school districts, to properly carry out the local education needs of the local school districts.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-15-17 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 15-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-15-17
Status: in_force

If the parent, guardian or other person having custody of any child shall feel aggrieved by the assignment of such child to a school or attendance center by the school board, then such parent, guardian or other person may, at any time within thirty (30) days after such assignment, make application in writing to the school board for a review or reconsideration of such assignment. Upon receiving any such application, the school board shall set a time and place for the hearing thereof which time shall be not more than fifteen (15) days after the regular meeting of said board next succeeding the date of the filing of said application. At the time and place so fixed, the person filing such application shall have the right to appear and present evidence in support of said application. After hearing said evidence, the school board shall determine whether said application is well taken and supported by the evidence and shall enter an order either affirming its previous action or modifying or changing same as said school board shall find proper.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-337 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 7-337
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-337
Status: in_force

(1) The governing authorities of the county, counties or city in which a school district is located and the school board of each school district shall develop a five-year plan to encourage community involvement with the schools in such district.

(2) Districts meeting the highest levels of accreditation standards, as defined by the State Board of Education, shall be exempted from the mandatory provisions of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-27 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 33-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-27
Status: in_force

The right of eligible individuals with disabilities to maintenance under the Vocational Rehabilitation Law shall not be transferable or assignable at law or in equity and shall be exempt from the claims of creditors.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-65 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 13-65
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-65
Status: in_force

Upon application from the school board, the superintendent of schools may close any school because of an epidemic prevailing in the school district or because of the death, resignation, sickness or dismissal of a teacher or teachers or because of any other emergency necessitating the closing of the school. However, all such schools so closed shall operate for the required full time after being reopened during the scholastic year, unless the school board of the local school district submits a plan to alter the school term that is approved by the State Board of Education under the authority of Section 37-13-63(2) .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-23 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 11-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-23
Status: in_force

If any person shall wilfully disturb any session of the public school or any public school meeting, such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Ten Dollars ($10.00) nor more than Fifty Dollars ($50.00).
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-103-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 103-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-103-7
Status: in_force

For purposes of determining whether a person pays out-of-state or in-state tuition for attendance at universities and community and junior colleges, the residence of a person less than twenty-one (21) years of age is that of the father, the mother or a general guardian duly appointed by a proper court in Mississippi. If a court has granted custody of the minor to one (1) parent, the residence of the minor is that of the parent who was granted custody by the court. If both parents are dead, the residence of the minor is that of the last surviving parent at the time of that parent's death, unless the minor lives with a general guardian duly appointed by a proper court of Mississippi, in which case his residence becomes that of the guardian. A student residing within the State of Mississippi who, upon registration at a Mississippi institution of higher learning or community college, presents a transcript demonstrating graduation from a Mississippi secondary school and who has been a secondary school student in Mississippi for not less than the final four (4) years of secondary school attendance shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition. This section shall not apply to the residence of a person as it relates to residency for voter registration or voting.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-167 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 33-167
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-167
Status: in_force

The State Department of Rehabilitation Services, through the Office of Disability Determination Services, may enter into agreements with the federal Social Security Administration or its successor and other state agencies for the purpose of performing eligibility determinations for Medicaid assistance payments for those persons who qualify therefor under Section 43-13-115(4) , and may adopt such methods of administration as may be necessary to secure the full benefits of federal appropriations for medical assistance for such persons.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-61-37 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 61-37
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-61-37
Status: in_force

There is established in the State Treasury a fund known as the “Mississippi Public Education Support Fund” (hereinafter referred to as “fund”). The fund shall consist of monies as the Legislature may authorize or direct to be deposited into the fund. Monies in the fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature, may be expended by the State Department of Education for classroom supplies, instructional materials and equipment, including computers and computer software, to be distributed to all school districts in the proportion that the net enrollment of each school district bears to the net enrollment of all school districts within the state. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of the fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned or investment earnings on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-123-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 123-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-123-1
Status: in_force

The body politic and corporate created by Chapter 284, Laws of Mississippi 1924, by the name of “Delta State Teachers' College” is continued to have perpetual succession with power to contract and be contracted with; to receive by any legal method of transfer or conveyance, property of any description, to have, hold and employ the same; to make and use a corporate seal, with power to change the same; to adopt bylaws, rules and regulations for the government of its members, official agents and employees. However, the name of said “Delta State Teachers' College” shall be hereafter changed to “Delta State University” without interference with the rights, powers and prerogatives of said college which shall continue in all respects.

Wherever the name “Delta State Teachers' College” or “Delta State College” appears, the same shall be construed to denote Delta State University.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-137 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 23-137
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-137
Status: in_force

(1) Consent shall be obtained:

(a) Prior to initial evaluation;

(b) Prior to implementation of the initial individualized educational program for a child with a disability;

(c) Prior to reevaluation, except that such consent is not required, if the local educational agency can demonstrate that it had taken reasonable measures to obtain such consent and the parent failed to respond; and

(d) Prior to the release of educational records as required under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and IDEA.

(2) If the parent of a child with a disability refuses consent for the evaluation, the local educational agency may continue to pursue an evaluation by utilizing the due process hearing procedures under IDEA, except to the extent these are not in conflict with Mississippi law relating to parental consent.

(3) Written prior notice shall be provided to the parents of the child whenever a local educational agency proposes to initiate or change or refuses to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child, or the provision of a free appropriate public education to that child.

(4) Written prior notice shall be provided in the native language of the parents, unless it clearly is not feasible to do so.

(5) Written prior notice shall include:

(a) A description of the action proposed or refused by the local educational agency;

(b) An explanation of why the local educational agency proposes or refuses to take the action;

(c) A description of any other options that the local educational agency considered and the reasons why those options were rejected;

(d) A description of any other factors that are relevant to the local educational agency's proposal or refusal;

(e) A description of each evaluation procedure, test, record, or report the local educational agency used as a basis for the proposed or refused action;

(f) A description of any factors that are relevant to the local educational agency's proposal or refusal;

(g) A statement that the parents of a child with a disability have protection under the procedural safeguards under IDEA and, if the notice is not an initial referral for evaluation, notification of an individualized educational program meeting or notice for reevaluation, the means by which a copy of a description of procedural safeguards can be obtained; and

(h) Sources for parents to contact to obtain assistance in understanding the provisions under IDEA.

(6) A copy of the procedural safeguards established by the State Department of Education shall be given to the parents upon:

(a) Initial referral for evaluation, reevaluation or parent request for evaluation;

(b) The child's initial IEP meeting;

(c) Registration of a complaint under IDEA to the State Department of Education;

(d) Upon a request by a parent; and

(e) If there is no circumstance giving rise to the purpose of parents receiving a copy of the procedural safeguards under paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this subsection, then the parents shall be provided with a copy of the procedural safeguards at least once on an annual basis.

The procedural safeguards shall include provisions which allow parents to be informed of the parental right to record IEP meetings by means of an audio or visual recording device or written transcript at the parent's own expense if they so desire a record of the meeting.

(7) The State Department of Education and each local educational agency shall establish procedures to ensure parents of children with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in meetings with respect to the identification, evaluation, and education placement of the child, and the provision of a free appropriate public education of such child. Local educational agencies shall provide parents of children with disabilities an opportunity to provide input in the development of the agencies' application for funding, as required under IDEA.

(8) The parent or guardian or local educational agency shall have the right to audio record the proceedings of individualized education program team meetings. The parent or guardian or local educational agency shall notify the members of the individualized education program team of his, her, or its intent to audio record a meeting at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting.

(9) In conducting the evaluation, the local educational agency shall:

(a) Use a variety of assessment tools and strategies to gather relevant functional and developmental information, including information provided by the parent, that may assist in determining whether the child is a child with a disability and the content of the child's individualized education program including information related to enabling the child to be involved in and progress in the general curriculum or, for preschool children, to participate in appropriate activities;

(b) Not use any single procedure as the sole criterion for determining whether a child is a child with a disability or determining an appropriate educational program for the child; and

(c) Use technically sound instruments that may assess the relative contribution of cognitive and behavioral factors, in addition to physical or developmental factors.

(10) Each local educational agency shall ensure that:

(a) Tests and other evaluation materials used to assess a child are:

(i) Selected and administered so as not to be discriminatory on a racial or cultural basis; and

(ii) Provided and administered in the child's native language or other mode of communication, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so;

(b) Any standardized tests that are given to the child:

(i) Have been validated for the specific purpose for which they are used;

(ii) Are administered by trained and knowledgeable personnel; and

(iii) Are administered in accordance with any instructions provided by the producer of such tests;

(c) The child is assessed in all areas of suspected disability; and

(d) Assessment tools and strategies that provide relevant information that directly assist persons in determining the educational needs of the child are provided.

(11) Upon completion of administration of tests and other evaluation materials:

(a) The determination of whether the child is a child with a disability as defined under IDEA and state regulations established by the State Board of Education shall be made by a team of qualified professionals and the parent of the child and certified by a Screening Team as defined by the State Board of Education;

(b) In making such a determination of eligibility, a child shall not be determined to be a child with a disability if the determinant factor for such determination is lack of instruction in reading or math or limited English proficiency; and

(c) A copy of the evaluation report and the documentation of determination of eligibility will be given to the parent.

(12) Parents shall have an opportunity to obtain an independent educational evaluation of their child in accordance with the requirements under IDEA.

(13) An outside individual or entity contracting with a local educational agency for the purpose of performing an observation in order to make recommendations of possible changes in a child's IEP, or any outside individual or entity making an observation of a child which results in such recommendations, shall submit a report of the observation to the local educational agency. The local educational agency shall notify the parent upon receipt of this report.

(14) Parents and guardians shall have the right of review or to receive copies of all educational records, as such records are defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, pertaining to their child. The local educational agency shall be responsible for making the educational records available to the parent or guardian. The cost of providing a copy of any information contained in a student's educational record to the parents or guardians shall be established by the local school board in accordance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-137 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 13-137
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-137
Status: in_force

(1) The State Board of Education shall adopt regulations as provided in this section not later than March 1, 2008, which shall be effective for compliance by school districts beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, for the Child Nutrition School Breakfast and Lunch Programs that are not in conflict with the regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The regulations shall take into account the most recent and advanced scientific principles regarding good human health and fitness, and the effect of the regulations must be that the good health, well-being and fitness of Mississippi school children shall be advanced. The regulations shall include, but not be limited to, the following areas:

(a) Healthy food and beverage choices;

(b) Healthy food preparation;

(c) Marketing of healthy food choices to students and staff;

(d) Food preparation ingredients and products;

(e) Minimum and maximum time allotment for students and staff lunch and breakfast periods;

(f) The availability of food items during the lunch and breakfast periods of the Child Nutrition School Breakfast and Lunch Programs; and

(g) Methods to increase participation in the Child Nutrition School Breakfast and Lunch Programs.

(2) The Office of Healthy Schools of the State Department of Education shall provide comprehensive training for superintendents, business managers, food service directors and food service managers of a local school district, or the designees appointed by those individuals for training purposes, as required by the department on marketing healthy foods, creating a healthy cafeteria environment, effective and efficient food service operations, the standards and expectations of food service staff, and other topics as identified by the department. The department may determine the time and location of the trainings and the frequency with which they are held. Persons employed by a local school district having the certification as a Food Service Administrator III or IV shall be exempt from the training requirements of this subsection.

(3) Local school districts may adopt rules and regulations that may be more stringent but not in conflict with those adopted by the State Board of Education under this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-283 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 101-283
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-283
Status: in_force

Each male applicant for any scholarship or loan funded in whole or in part by this state, whether granted by the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning, the post-secondary education financial assistance board, or otherwise granted by any state-supported college or university, and whether to be used at a state-supported institution of higher learning or at a private institution, shall within six (6) months after he attains the age of eighteen (18) years submit to the person, commission, board or agency in which his application for scholarship or loan is or has been made satisfactory evidence of his compliance with the draft registration requirements of the military selective service act. Such evidence shall consist of a signed affirmation under penalty of perjury from the scholarship or loan applicant that he has complied with the requirements of the federal selective service act. If an applicant for or holder of any such scholarship or loan fails to submit a copy of his draft registration acknowledgment letter in the manner and within the time allowed therefor, any pending application of such person for the award, grant or renewal of any such scholarship or loan shall be denied, and any such scholarship or loan currently held by such person shall be revoked to the extent that no further payments under that scholarship or loan may be made to him or on his behalf. The person, commission, board or agency to which an application for the award, grant or renewal of such scholarship or loan is made, or by or through which any such scholarship or loan is administered or issued shall notify the applicant or holder and the chief executive officer of any institution at which a holder of a scholarship or loan so revoked is enrolled of its action, and upon request of the scholarship or loan applicant or holder shall afford him the opportunity, either in person, in writing or by counsel of his choice to present evidence against such action.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 13-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-3
Status: in_force

No doctrinal, sectarian or denominational teaching shall be permitted in public schools of this state. It shall be the duty of the county superintendents of education and the superintendents of municipal separate school districts to enforce the provisions of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-193 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 13-193
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-193
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education may make civil rights and human rights education a part of the K-12 curriculum of instruction in Mississippi public schools. The State Department of Education shall work with the Mississippi Civil Rights Education Commission established in Section 37-13-195 in implementing these five (5) guidelines: (a) provide assistance and advice to K-12 schools with respect to the Civil Rights Movement and human rights education and awareness programs; (b) survey and catalog the extent to which civil rights and human rights education exists in state curricula; (c) inventory civil rights memorials, exhibits and resources that could be used in classrooms and other educational programs; (d) compile a list of volunteers who are willing to share their knowledge and experiences concerning the struggle for civil rights; (e) prepare reports for the Governor and the State Legislature on the inclusion of civil rights studies into the educational systems of the state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-215 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 33-215
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-215
Status: in_force

The Office of Special Disability Programs shall provide services to any individual who is determined to meet the eligibility criteria for receiving services through one or more special disability programs. The services provided through the Office of Special Disability Programs shall be those defined as special disability services and independent living services.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-205 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 153-205
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-205
Status: reserved

(1) There is established the Accelerate Mississippi Nursing/Allied Health Grant Program, which shall be directed by the office for the purpose of increasing capacity in nursing and allied health training programs, including accredited paramedic programs, job sectors which were severely impacted by the disruption to the economy and workforce caused by COVID-19.

(2) For purposes of this section, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed herein unless the context requires otherwise:

(a) “ Grant program ” means the program established in this section, which provides funding, as determined by the office, from federal COVID-19 relief funds to sustain and increase capacity in nursing and allied health education and training programs, including accredited paramedic programs, or to help retain and graduate nursing and allied health students, at community and junior colleges or other entities facilitating healthcare-focused training programs as determined by the office.

(b) “ Recipient ” means a community or junior college or other entities facilitating healthcare-focused training programs as determined by the office.

(c) “ Trainee ” means an individual receiving training or other services through the grant program under this article with the goal of becoming employed in the nursing or allied health field, including as a licensed paramedic.

(d) “ COVID-19 ” means the Coronavirus Disease 2019.

(e) “ Federal COVID-19 relief funds ” means funds allocated to the State of Mississippi from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund in Section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ( Public Law No. 117-2 ).

(f) “ High-wage, high-demand industry ” means those nursing or allied health jobs, including paramedics, paying above Mississippi's median annual income and prioritized by the office.

(g) “ Eligible expenses ” means a cost incurred by a recipient under this article, to include:

(i) Necessary equipment or other supplies to sustain or increase capacity in nursing or allied health training programs, including accredited paramedic programs;

(ii) Necessary infrastructure, including building renovation or construction, for increasing capacity in nursing or allied health training programs, including accredited paramedic programs;

(iii) Curricula or other academic or training materials to sustain or increase capacity in nursing or allied health training programs, including accredited paramedic programs;

(iv) Remote learning or other classroom technology to sustain or increase capacity in nursing or allied health training programs, including accredited paramedic programs;

(v) Job placement services for nursing or allied health students and graduates, including those in accredited paramedic programs;

(vi) Recruitment programs for nursing or allied health students and graduates, including those in accredited paramedic programs;

(vii) Other services aimed at helping retain and graduate current nursing and allied health students, including those in accredited paramedic programs.

(3) The Department of Employment Security shall serve as fiscal agent in administering the funds.

(4) Subject to appropriation by the Legislature, allocations to recipients shall be awarded by the office through an application process, which shall require the applicant to provide:

(a) A detailed explanation of the program the applicant intends to use awarded funds to create or expand, to include:

(i) A description of the nursing or allied health workforce shortage the program is intended to address, including specific information from hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities or other health care providers in the region;

(ii) Any relevant waitlist or other information demonstrating high demand for graduates from the relevant nursing or allied health program;

(iii) The number of nursing or allied health students who will be served by the program; and

(iv) The average wage rate for nursing or allied health students receiving employment after completing the program;

(b) A proposed budget on how awarded funds will be expended, including a plan to consistently report expenditures to the office throughout the funding commitment;

(c) A plan to provide data on participation and outcomes of the program, including a plan to report outcomes to the office throughout the funding commitment; and

(d) Other relevant information as determined appropriate by the office.

(5) Applicants agreeing to commit a portion of their federal COVID-19 relief funds, if they received federal COVID-19 relief funds directly, or other state, federal or private funds as supplemental matching funds to offset the total cost of the approved program will be prioritized for approval.

(6) The office shall:

(a) Inform each recipient of its portion of the funds appropriated to the grant program;

(b) Develop regulations and procedures to govern the administration of the grant program;

(c) Prioritize jobs within the nursing or allied health fields which are currently experiencing staffing shortages in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and other health care providers across the state; and

(d) Prioritize jobs which are high-wage, high-demand jobs within the nursing and allied health fields, including the paramedic field.

(7) Seventy-five percent (75%) of the funds provided through the appropriations process for this program shall be reserved for community and junior colleges. A maximum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the funds provided through the appropriations process for this program may be awarded to recipients other than a community or junior college which facilitate healthcare-focused training programs as determined by the office.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-261 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 33-261
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-261
Status: in_force

(1) Such assessments as are collected under subsections (1) and (2) of Section 99-19-73 , shall be deposited in a special fund that is created in the State Treasury and designated the Spinal Cord and Head Injury Trust Fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in the Spinal Cord and Head Injury Trust Fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and all interest received from the investment of monies in the trust fund shall be credited to the trust fund and shall not be deposited into the State General Fund. Monies deposited in the fund shall be expended beginning in fiscal year 1997 by the Department of Rehabilitation Services as authorized and appropriated by the Legislature for the following purposes:

Providing the cost of care for spinal cord and traumatic brain injury as a payer of last resort to residents of the State of Mississippi for a multilevel program of rehabilitation as prescribed in Sections 37-33-251 through 37-33-259 . Authorization of expenditures for spinal cord injury care and traumatic brain injury care from this trust fund shall be made only by the Department of Rehabilitation Services. Authorized expenditures shall include three (3) or more of the following forms of assistance: acute care; rehabilitation; transitional living; assistive technology services, devices and equipment; respite care; transportation; housing; home modifications; and other services and/or assistance as deemed appropriate by the advisory council for individuals with spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries to accomplish a successful re-entry into the community. Such activities may also include expanding the public's awareness of how spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries occur and how they can be prevented and identifying advanced treatment and prevention techniques. Other authorized expenditures may include costs associated with salary and other support costs for personnel sufficient to carry out the program or to subcontract all or part of the authorized services, and to pay the travel and meeting expenses of the advisory council.

(2) The department shall issue a report to the Legislature and the Governor by January 1 of each year, summarizing the activities supported by the trust fund.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-59-21 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 59-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-59-21
Status: in_force

If the territory of such school district as is provided for in section 37-59-19 , lies in two or more counties, bonds may be issued as provided herein by the board of supervisors of the county having the greatest assessed valuation of taxable property within such district, upon petition of a majority of the qualified electors residing within the district as a whole. In such cases, a counterpart of the petition shall be separately circulated in that part of the district situated within each of the counties involved, and the said petitions shall be filed with the respective boards of supervisors. Each such board shall thereupon determine, by resolution entered upon its minutes, the number of qualified electors of such county residing within such district, and the number of qualified electors of such district who have signed such petition, and shall transmit a certified copy of such resolution and of such petition to the board of supervisors of the county having the greater assessed valuation of taxable property within such district. The latter board shall thereupon determine, by resolution entered upon its minutes, the total number of qualified electors residing within such district as a whole, and the total number of qualified electors of such district who have signed such petitions. If the latter board thereupon finds and determines that such petitions have been signed by a majority of all of the qualified electors residing within such district, regardless of county lines, such board may proceed to issue bonds in the amount and for the purpose or purposes set forth in such petition.

The maximum amount of such bonds which may be issued by petition shall not exceed the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), and the total amount of bonds so issued by petition in any twelve-month period shall not exceed the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00).
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-61-27 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / 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. § 37-7-223 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-223
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-223
Status: in_force

All elections of consolidated or consolidated line school district trustees shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each year in the same manner as general state and county elections are held and conducted.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-53 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 33-53
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-53
Status: in_force

As used in the Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind Law:

(a) “Department” or “agency” means the State Department of Rehabilitation Services;

(b) “Director” means the Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind;

(c) “Executive director” means the Executive Director of the State Department of Rehabilitation Services;

(d) “ Independent living services ” includes, but are not limited to, the following services in accordance with definitions in the most current amendment of the Rehabilitation Act: (i) independent living core services (information and referral services, independent living skills training, peer counseling including cross-disability peer counseling, and individual and systems advocacy) and: (ii) counseling services, including psychological, psychotherapeutic, and related services; (iii) services related to securing housing or shelter, including services related to community group living, and supportive of the purposes of the Rehabilitation Act and of the titles of the Rehabilitation Act, and adaptive housing services (including appropriate accommodations to and modifications of any space used to serve, or occupied by, individuals with disabilities); (iv) rehabilitation technology; (v) mobility training; (vi) services and training for individuals with cognitive and sensory disabilities, including life skills training, and interpreter and reader services; (vii) personal assistance services, including attendant care and the training of personnel providing such services; (viii) surveys, directories, and other activities to identify appropriate housing, recreation opportunities, and accessible transportation, and other support services; (ix) consumer information programs on rehabilitation and independent living services available under the Rehabilitation Act, especially for minorities and other individuals with disabilities who have traditionally been unserved or underserved by programs under the Rehabilitation Act; (x) education and training necessary for living in a community and participating in community activities; (xi) supported living; (xii) transportation, including referral and assistance for that transportation and training in the use of public transportation vehicles and systems; (xiii) physical rehabilitation; (xiv) therapeutic treatment; (xv) provision of needed prostheses and other appliances and devices; (xvi) individual and group social and recreational services; (xvii) training to develop skills specifically designed for youths who are individuals with disabilities to promote self-awareness and esteem, develop advocacy and self-empowerment skills, and explore career options; (xviii) services for children; (xix) services under other federal, state, or local programs designed to provide resources, training, counseling, or other assistance, of substantial benefit in enhancing the independence, productivity, and quality of life of individuals with disabilities; (xx) appropriate preventive services to decrease the need of individuals assisted under the Rehabilitation Act for similar services in the future; (xxi) community awareness programs to enhance the understanding and integration into society of individuals with disabilities; and (xxii) such other services as may be necessary and not inconsistent with the provisions of the most current amendment of the Rehabilitation Act;

(e) “ Individual who is blind ” means any person with insufficient vision to perform vocational or independent living tasks for which sight is essential;

(f) “ Maintenance ” means monetary support provided to an individual for expenses, such as food, shelter, and clothing, that are in excess of the normal expenses of the individual and that are necessitated by the individual's participation in an assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs or the individual's receipt of vocational rehabilitation services under an individualized plan for employment;

(g) “ Physical restoration services ” means (i) corrective surgery or therapeutic treatment that is likely, within a reasonable period of time, to correct or modify substantially a stable or slowly progressive physical or mental impairment that constitutes a substantial impediment to employment; (ii) diagnosis of and treatment for mental or emotional disorders by qualified personnel in accordance with state licensure laws; (iii) dentistry; (iv) nursing services; (v) necessary hospitalization (either inpatient or outpatient care) in connection with surgery or treatment and clinic services; (vi) drugs and supplies; (vii) prosthetic and orthotic devices; (viii) eyeglasses and visual services, including visual training, and the examination and services necessary for the prescription and provision of eyeglasses, contact lenses, microscopic lenses, telescopic lenses, and other special visual aids prescribed by personnel that are qualified in accordance with state licensure laws; (ix) podiatry; (x) physical therapy; (xi) occupational therapy; (xii) speech or hearing therapy; (xiii) mental health services; (xiv) treatment of either acute or chronic medical complications and emergencies that are associated with or arise out of the provision of physical and mental restoration services, or that are inherent in the condition under treatment; (xv) special services for the treatment of individuals with end-stage renal disease, including transplantation, dialysis, artificial kidneys, and supplies; and (xvi) other medical or medically related rehabilitation services;

(h) “ Prosthetic appliance ” means any artificial device necessary to support, to take the place of, a part of the body, or to increase the acuity of a sense organ;

(i) “ Occupational licenses ” means any license, permit or other written authority required by any government unit to be obtained in order to engage in an occupation;

(j) “ Office ” means the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind;

(k) “ Regulations ” means regulations made by the director with the approval of the executive director and the state board, including regulations pertaining to independent living services;

(l) “ Rehabilitation engineering services ” means the systematic application of engineering sciences to design, develop, adapt, test, evaluate, apply, and distribute technological solutions to problems confronted by individuals with disabilities in functional areas, such as mobility, communications, hearing, vision, and cognition, and in activities associated with employment, independent living, education, and integration into the community;

(m) “ Rehabilitation training ” means all necessary training provided to an individual who is blind to enable him or her to overcome his or her substantial impediment to employment, including, but not limited to, manual, preconditioning, prevocational, vocational, and supplementary training and training provided for the purpose of developing occupational skills and capacities;

(n) “ Supported employment services ” means ongoing support services and other appropriate services needed to support and maintain an individual with a most significant disability in supported employment that are provided by the department (i) for a period of time not to exceed eighteen (18) months, unless under special circumstances the eligible individual and the rehabilitation counselor or coordinator jointly agree to extend the time to achieve the employment outcome identified in the individualized plan for employment; and (ii) following transition, as post-employment services that are unavailable from an extended services provider and that are necessary to maintain or regain the job placement or advance in employment;

(o) “ State board ” means the State Board of Rehabilitation Services;

(p) “ Substantial impediment to employment ” means that a physical or mental impairment (in light of attendant medical, psychological, vocational, educational, communication, and other related factors) hinders an individual from preparing for, entering into, engaging in, or retaining employment consistent with the individual's abilities and capabilities;

(q) “ Vocational rehabilitation ” and “ vocational rehabilitation services ” mean, for an individual who is blind, services available to assist an individual with a disability in preparing for, securing, retaining, or regaining an employment outcome that is consistent with the individual's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice, including, but not limited to, services in accordance with definitions in the most current amendment of the Rehabilitation Act: (i) assessment for determining eligibility and priority for services by qualified personnel, including, if appropriate, an assessment by personnel skilled in rehabilitation technology; (ii) assessment for determining vocational rehabilitation needs by qualified personnel, including, if appropriate, an assessment by personnel skilled in rehabilitation technology; (iii) vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance, including information and support services to assist an individual in exercising informed choice; (iv) referral and other services necessary to assist applicants and eligible individuals to secure needed services from other agencies, including other components of the statewide workforce investment system and to advise those individuals about client assistance programs; (v) physical and mental restoration services, to the extent that financial support is not readily available from a source other than the State Department of Rehabilitation Services (such as through health insurance or a comparable service or benefit); (vi) vocational and other training services, including personal and vocational adjustment training, books, tools, and other training materials, except that no training or training services in an institution of higher education (universities, colleges, community or junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes, or hospital schools of nursing) may be paid for with funds under this law unless maximum efforts have been made by the state unit and the individual to secure grant assistance in whole or in part from other sources to pay for that training; (vii) maintenance; (viii) transportation in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation service; (ix) vocational rehabilitation services to family members of an applicant or eligible individual if necessary to enable the applicant or eligible individual to achieve an employment outcome; (x) interpreter services, including sign language and oral interpreter services, for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and tactile interpreting services for individuals who are deaf-blind provided by qualified personnel; (xi) reader services, rehabilitation teaching services, and orientation and mobility services for individuals who are blind; (xii) job-related services, including job search and placement assistance, job retention services, follow-up services, and follow-along services; (xiii) supported employment services; (xiv) personal assistance services; (xv) post-employment services; (xvi) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, initial stocks, and supplies; (xvii) rehabilitation technology including vehicular modification, telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices; (xviii) transition services; (xix) technical assistance and other consultation services to conduct market analyses, develop business plans, and otherwise provide resources, to the extent those resources are authorized to be provided through the statewide workforce investment system, to eligible individuals who are pursuing self-employment or telecommuting or establishing a small business operation as an employment outcome; (xx) other goods and services determined necessary for the individual with a disability to achieve an employment outcome.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-53 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / 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. § 37-101-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 101-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-7
Status: in_force

Within ten (10) days after the beginning of the terms of office of its members, upon call of the Governor, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning shall meet in the City of Jackson and organize by electing one (1) of its number as president, whose term of office shall be for one (1) year or until a successor shall be elected, and shall transact such other business as may come before the meeting. When the presiding officer has voted and the result is a tie, he cannot vote again to break the tie.

The trustees shall have authority to appoint a nonmember as Commissioner of Higher Education, who shall possess the highest qualifications as an administrator and research worker. The Commissioner of Higher Education shall maintain an office and be responsible to the board for the efficient functioning of the staff which the board may from time to time establish. It shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Higher Education to make constant inquiry into the problems of higher education, to survey and study carefully the organization, management and all other affairs of each institution under the control of said trustees, to make report of all findings and recommend such changes as will increase efficiency and economy in the operation of each institution, and to perform such other duties as the board may prescribe. The Commissioner of Higher Education shall be responsible for compiling all laws and all rules and regulations of a general nature adopted by the board for the governance of the various institutions of higher learning in pamphlet or loose-leaf form. Current copies of such compilations shall be furnished to all officials directly responsible for the carrying out of such laws, rules and regulations. The expenses for such compilation and publication shall be paid by the board out of any funds available for the operation of said board.

The trustees shall authorize the employment of such other personnel as may be required from time to time to carry out the functions of the board and may assign to the personnel so employed such functions and duties and may delegate to the commissioner or other personnel such powers of the board as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes for which the board was established. All such personnel shall be employed by the commissioner with the approval of the board and shall hold office at the pleasure of the commissioner. The board shall also have the authority to employ on a fee basis such technical and professional assistance as may be necessary to carry out the powers, duties and purposes of the board.

The Commissioner of Higher Education and other personnel employed by the board shall receive reasonable salaries commensurate with their duties and functions, the amount of which shall be fixed by the board. The reasonable traveling expenses and other authorized expenses incurred by the commissioner and other personnel in the performance of their duties, together with other expenses of the operation of the executive office, shall be prorated and deducted from the appropriations for the current expenses of the several institutions.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-28-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 28-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-28-3
Status: in_force

(1) The Legislature finds and declares that the general purposes of the state's charter schools are as follows:

(a) To improve student learning by creating high-quality schools with high standards for student performance;

(b) To close achievement gaps between high-performing and low-performing groups of public school students;

(c) To increase high-quality educational opportunities within the public education system for all students, especially those with a likelihood of academic failure;

(d) To create new professional opportunities for teachers, school administrators and other school personnel which allow them to have a direct voice in the operation of their schools;

(e) To encourage the use of different, high-quality models of teaching, governing, scheduling and other aspects of schooling which meet a variety of student needs;

(f) To allow public schools freedom and flexibility in exchange for exceptional levels of results driven accountability;

(g) To provide students, parents, community members and local entities with expanded opportunities for involvement in the public education system; and

(h) To encourage the replication of successful charter schools.

(2) All charter schools in the state established under this chapter are public schools and are part of the state's public education system.

(3) No provision of this chapter may be interpreted to allow the conversion of private schools into charter schools.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-73 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 115-73
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-73
Status: in_force

The proceeds of any contribution made by any county under the provisions of Section 37-115-69 , including the proceeds from the sale of any bonds issued for such purposes, shall be paid by the board of supervisors of such county into the state treasury into a special fund to the credit of the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning, and shall thereafter be utilized and expended by said board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning in the construction, erection and equipping of educational facilities in such county to be utilized by the University of Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-154-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 154-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-154-3
Status: in_force

(1) The SLDS will be governed by a SLDS Governing Board (the board), which shall be composed of a representative from each agency or entity providing data to the system. Each agency or entity will appoint their representative to sit on the Governing Board. For the two (2) years following July 1, 2013, the State Workforce Investment Board Chair will also serve as Chair of the SLDS Governing Board. In subsequent years, the SLDS Governing Board will elect a chair from among its members. The Chair of the SLDS Governing Board will serve a two-year term.

(2) The SLDS Governing Board shall develop and promulgate all rules and regulations governing the activities of the SLDS in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. The board is authorized to contract with a third party to manage and maintain the system and to insure the policies and procedures developed by the board are enforced.

(3) The SLDS Governing Board shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following objectives:

(a) Identifying critical research and policy questions that need to be addressed by education (P-20) and workforce programs;

(b) Identifying reports and other information that should be available to education and workforce entities and other public stakeholders;

(c) Developing a funding mechanism for sustaining the system after it is developed;

(d) Defining and maintaining standards for privacy, confidentiality and security of data; and

(e) Performing other advisory functions that are necessary for the successful continuation and management of the longitudinal data system.

(4) Nothing in this chapter shall prevent an individual agency or entity from maintaining control of their agency's individual data.

(5) All data provided to the SLDS shall be provided in accordance with all local, state and federal laws governing the protection and sharing of such data.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-31 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 115-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-31
Status: in_force

The teaching hospital and related facilities shall be utilized to serve the people of Mississippi generally. The teaching hospital and related facilities shall have the power necessary to enter into group purchasing arrangements as deemed reasonable and necessary, and such powers as are necessary to establish and operate health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, prepaid health benefit plans and other managed care entities regulated by Section 83-41-301 et seq. , and the power to establish rates and charges for health care services, either on a fee for service, discounted, capitated or other risk based payment basis, and provided that any such entity shall primarily provide care and services to indigent persons or qualified beneficiaries of the State Medicaid Program; and further provided, however, any entity, or any affiliate of any such entity, that now or in the future provides management services to the University of Mississippi Medical Center or any of its facilities, shall not be affiliated in any manner with any managed care product established by the University of Mississippi Medical Center under the authority of this section. There shall be a reasonable volume of free work; however, said volume shall never be less than one-half of its bed capacity for indigent patients who are eligible and qualified under the state charity fund for charity hospitalization of indigent persons, or qualified beneficiaries of the State Medicaid Program. The income derived from the operations of said hospital, including all facilities thereof, shall be utilized toward the payment of the operating expenses of said hospital, including all facilities thereof.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-41-13 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 41-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-41-13
Status: in_force

All routes shall be laid out so as to place all pupils entitled to transportation within a reasonable distance of same. No child entitled to transportation shall be required to walk a greater distance than one mile to reach the vehicle of transportation in the morning or to reach his home in the afternoon.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-33 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 23-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-33
Status: in_force

(1) Such program of education, instruction and training as is provided for in Section 37-23-31 shall be furnished in such manner as shall be provided by rules and regulations adopted by the State Board of Education, which for such purposes shall have the full power to adopt such rules, regulations, policies and standards as it may deem necessary to carry out the purpose of Sections 37-23-31 through 37-23-35 , including the establishment of qualifications consistent with the requirements of subsection (2) of this section for any teachers employed under the provisions thereof. It is expressly provided, however, that no program of education, instruction and training shall be furnished except in a university or college supported by the State of Mississippi and only in cases where such university or college shall consent thereto and shall provide any classroom space, furniture and facilities which may be deemed necessary in carrying out the provisions of those sections.

(2) Speech-language pathologists, educational audiologists, and special and early childhood educators are qualified and authorized to serve as the lead teacher for children enrolled in a university or college-based program through the IDEA-Part C and IDEA-Part B eligibility and placement process. Whenever communication is a primary area of concern on a child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP), a speech-language pathologist or educational audiologist may serve as the lead instructor with an educator serving as a related service provider as necessary to meet the educational needs of the child. Speech-language pathologists and educational audiologists must undergo extensive college coursework in communication-based disorders impacting multiple areas of development, including cognition. The content of the college coursework must include typical and atypical development for ages birth through death. In addition to completing the college coursework, these instructional providers must meet all instructional licensure requirements as set forth by the State Department of Education for the purpose of funding MAEP special education teacher units.

(3) The State Department of Education through its general supervision responsibilities set forth by the Office of Special Education Programs at the United States Department of Education, shall require that the program of education, instruction and training be designed to provide individualized appropriate special education and related services that enable a child to reach his or her appropriate and uniquely designed goals for success.

(4) A university- or college-based program must submit all reports and data required by the State Department of Education on the same or similar time schedule and in the same or similar manner that same or similar reports and data must be submitted to the department by local educational agencies.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-104.7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 7-104.7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-104.7
Status: in_force

(1) In Holmes County, Mississippi, in which are located, as of January 1, 2016, two (2) school districts, there shall be an administrative consolidation of all of those school districts in the county into one (1) new countywide school district to be designated as Holmes County Consolidated School District which shall consist of the territory of the former Holmes County School District and the Durant Public School District, effective on July 1, 2018. At such time that the administrative consolidation becomes effective, the central administrative office of the Holmes County Consolidated School District shall be located in Lexington, Mississippi.

(2) Within two (2) years prior to the date of consolidation, or as soon as practicable after July 1, 2016, a financial advisor and/or other facilitator with school district experience may be assigned by the Mississippi Department of Education to oversee the budgeting and financial matters relating to the consolidation of the districts slated for consolidation. The financial advisor and/or facilitator may, at the discretion of the Mississippi Department of Education, continue duties for one (1) year after the consolidation to ensure that all financial matters are in place. All financial expenditures of districts that are closing must be approved by the financial advisor and/or facilitator. If the superintendent and/or school board approves expenditures outside of this approval, they shall be personally liable for the excess expenditures. The State Board of Education shall determine the compensation to be paid to the financial advisor and/or facilitator which shall be paid by the local school district to which the financial advisor and/or facilitator is assigned.

(3)(a) On or before July 1, 2017, the State Board of Education shall serve the local school boards of the Holmes County School District and the Durant Public School District with notice and instructions regarding the timetable for action to be taken to comply with the administrative consolidation required in this section. The State Board of Education shall provide for the administrative consolidation of Holmes County School District and the Durant Public School District on or before July 1, 2018. In the new Holmes County Consolidated School District, there shall be a new county board of education elected in a November 2017 special election, which shall be called by the Governor for that purpose. The new county board of education shall be elected and the terms of office established as provided in Section 37-5-7(3) . The State Board of Education shall declare that the territory embraced by Holmes County, Mississippi, shall be the boundary lines for the territory of the new Holmes County Consolidated School District and shall spread a legal description of the new school district on the minutes of its August 2017 meeting and shall serve the applicable school boards and the board of supervisors with an adequate legal description of these new boundaries. It shall be the responsibility of the board of supervisors of such county to apportion the newly consolidated school district into five (5) new single member board of education election districts, which shall be consistent with the supervisors district lines in the county. The board of supervisors of the county shall thereafter publish the same in some newspaper of general circulation in the county for at least three (3) consecutive weeks and after having given notice of publication and recording the same upon the minutes of the school boards of each appropriate school district in the county, the new district lines will thereafter be effective for the November 2017 special election.

(b) Any school district affected by the required administrative consolidation in Holmes County that does not voluntarily consolidate as ordered by the State Board of Education shall be administratively consolidated by the State Board of Education, to be effective on July 1 following the November 2017 special election of the new school board members. The State Board of Education shall promptly move on its own motion to administratively consolidate a school district which does not voluntarily consolidate in order to enable the affected school districts to reasonably accomplish the resulting administrative consolidation into the Holmes County Consolidated School District by July 1, 2018, following the election of the new board of trustees. The affected school districts shall comply with any consolidation order issued by the State Board of Education on or before July 1 following the election of the new board of trustees.

(4)(a) On July 1, 2018, following the election of the new board of trustees of the Holmes County Consolidated School District, the former county board of education for Holmes County and the former board of trustees of the Durant Public School Districts shall be abolished. All real and personal property which is owned or titled in the name of the school district located in such former school districts shall be transferred to the new Holmes County Consolidated School District.

(b) The new board of trustees of the Holmes County Consolidated School District shall be responsible for establishing the contracts for teachers, principals, clerical and administrative staff personnel for the 2018-2019 school year and each school year thereafter.

(c) The new board of trustees for the Holmes County Consolidated School District shall appoint the superintendent of schools for the school district. The superintendent of schools for the Holmes County Consolidated School District may appoint an assistant superintendent of schools for the district, but in no instance shall the administrative leadership of the Holmes County Consolidated School District have more than one (1) assistant superintendent of education. The subsequent superintendent of schools of the consolidated school district shall not be elected, but shall thereafter be appointed by the successor board of trustees in the manner provided in Section 37-9-25 . It shall be the responsibility of the successor board of trustees to prepare and approve the budget of the new consolidated district, and the successor board of trustees may use staff from the former school districts to prepare the budget. Any proposed order of the State Board of Education directing the transfer of the assets, real or personal property of an affected school district in the county, shall be final and conclusive for the purposes of the transfer of property required by such administrative consolidation.

(d) Any person or school district aggrieved by an order of the successor newly selected board of trustees of the Holmes County Consolidated School District pursuant to the required administrative consolidation may appeal therefrom within ten (10) days from the date of the adjournment of the meeting at which such order is entered. The appeal shall be taken in the same manner as appeals are taken from judgments or decisions of the board of supervisors as provided in Section 11-51-75 , the provisions of which shall be fully applicable to appeals taken hereunder. The board of trustees of the Holmes County Consolidated School District shall not pass upon or approve or disapprove any such order until the time for an appeal therefrom has expired, nor shall the board pass upon or approve or disapprove any such order from which an appeal is taken until said appeal has been finally determined.

(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the closing of any school or school facility, unless the facility is an unneeded administrative office located within a school district which has been abolished under the provisions of this section. All administrative consolidations under this section shall be accomplished so as not to delay or in any manner negatively affect the desegregation of another school district in the county pursuant to court order.

(6) The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules and regulations to facilitate the administrative consolidation of the school districts in Holmes County pursuant to this section. The consolidated districts shall make an election within one (1) year of consolidation concerning the group term life insurance described in subsection (6) of Section 25-15-9 .

(7) The County Board of Education and the Superintendent of Education of the former Holmes County School District and the local school board and Superintendent of Schools of the Durant Public School District shall cooperate with the State Department of Education, as soon as practicable after July 1, 2016, for the planning and transition of programs, services and alignment of curriculum for the administratively consolidated school districts.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-433 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-433
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-433
Status: in_force

Upon being authorized by a resolution of the school board as is provided by Section 37-7-431 , the president and secretary shall be authorized and empowered to execute, for and on behalf of the school district, a conveyance of the school property for the purposes, upon the terms and conditions provided and specified by the school board, and for the consideration of the execution of a deed to the lands exchanged. It shall not be necessary or requisite that competitive bids be advertised for or received in connection with such exchange of property.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-177-5 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 177-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-177-5
Status: in_force

The State Department of Education shall establish a Mississippi Reading Panel to collaborate with the State Department of Education in recommending appropriate equitable alternative standardized assessments and cut scores to be used to determine promotion to the Fourth Grade of those Third-Grade students who did not score at the required achievement level on the state annual accountability assessment, as outlined in Section 37-177-9 , or who, for unforeseen circumstances, were unable to take the assessment. The panel should have knowledge and input in the adoption or development of a universal screener for required use only in select schools most in need for the reading intervention program to identify reading deficiencies and determine progress. A suggestive list of no less than four (4) screening assessments should be available to schools not selected for the critical reading intervention program taking into consideration those screening assessments already being used satisfactorily in Mississippi elementary schools. An approved alternative standardized reading assessment may be used in years when the state is transitioning to a new state annual accountability assessment. The panel shall consist of six (6) members as follows: the State Superintendent of Education, or his/her designee, who will chair the committee; the Chair of the House Education Committee, or his designee; the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, or his designee; one (1) member appointed by the Governor; and two (2) additional members appointed by the State Superintendent of Education.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-51 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 106-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-51
Status: repealed

The board is authorized to establish a consolidated revolving loan fund for the purpose of providing monies for the operation of all forgivable loan programs authorized to the board and for the purpose of providing monies for the operation of such other loan programs as may be deemed appropriate and authorized by the board from time to time for the furtherance of education of eligible applicants. The board shall be charged with the duty of directing the dispensing of such funds in a manner so as to best effectuate the purpose of this section. Any monies collected in the form of repayment of loans, both principal and interest, shall be deposited in this fund. The board is authorized to maintain such revolving fund in an official state depository and, in accordance with Section 27-105-21, Mississippi Code of 1972 , shall invest such funds, less the amount required for current operation, at interest as required by said section. All interest earned on such investments shall likewise be deposited in said fund.

From and after July 1, 1991, the sums maintained in the respective revolving funds being repealed by Chapter 547, Laws of 1991, or other revolving funds being maintained by the board shall become and constitute the monies of the consolidated revolving fund created by this section, wherever such funds may be physically located. The board is hereby authorized to transfer said funds to an official state depository, as aforesaid.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-17-5 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 17-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-17-5
Status: in_force

It shall be the purpose of the Commission on School Accreditation to continually review the standards on accreditation and the enforcement thereof and to make recommendations thereon to the State Board of Education. All controversies involving the accreditation of schools shall be initially heard by a duly authorized representative of the commission before whom a complete record shall be made. After the conclusion of the hearing, the duly authorized representative of the commission shall make a recommendation to the commission as to the resolution of the controversies, and the commission, after considering the transcribed record and the recommendation of its representative, shall make its decision which becomes final unless the local school board of the school district involved shall appeal to the State Board of Education, which appeal shall be on the record previously made before the commission's representative except as may be provided by rules and regulations adopted by the State Board of Education. Such rules and regulations may provide for the submission of new factual evidence. All appeals from the State Board of Education shall be on the record and shall be filed in the Circuit Court of the First Judicial District of Hinds County, Mississippi. The commission shall select a competent and qualified court reporter to record and transcribe all hearings held before its duly authorized representative whose fees and costs of transcription shall be paid by the school district involved within forty-five (45) days after having been notified of such costs and fees by the commission. An appropriate member of the staff of the State Department of Education shall be designated by the State Superintendent of Public Education to serve as executive secretary of the commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-109-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 109-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-109-7
Status: in_force

(1)(a) For institutions to be eligible for participation in the program, the institution shall adhere to the guidelines prescribed in the procedures manual for the State of Mississippi Dual Enrollment and Accelerated Programs, hereinafter the “manual,” and the requirements established by the Mississippi Postsecondary Education Financial Assistance Board for participating institutions set forth in this subsection.

(b) Eligibility for funding shall be incorporated into the manual, which shall outline the specific criteria for initial and continued eligibility for participation for institutions, dual enrollment students and dual credit students, respectively. The academic officers of both the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning shall evaluate and approve the contents of the manual each year.

(c) The board shall administer the Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Scholarship Program as outlined in the manual. Funds for the program shall be distributed by the board to the providing institution of higher education on behalf of each eligible student after the enrollment verification period. Funds shall not be distributed by the board directly to the student.

(d) Participation in the Mississippi Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Scholarship Program is optional for all institutions defined in Section 37-109-5(a) . However, in order to qualify for funding, all guidelines in the manual must be followed by each institution.

(e) All participating institutions shall be reimbursed at the rate of forty percent (40%) of the average community college credit hour tuition for the current academic year.

(f) Participating institutions may elect to exclude specific centers, branch campuses, collegiate academies and middle college's within their governance or purview from participating in the Mississippi Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Scholarship Program.

(2) For students to be eligible for participation in the program, the scholarship applicant shall satisfy the student eligibility requirements prescribed in Procedures Manual for the State of Mississippi Dual Enrollment and Accelerated Programs and the requirements established for student eligibility set forth in this subsection:

(a) Students in Grades 11 and 12 who are residents of the State of Mississippi shall be eligible to participate in the program, provided they meet minimum eligibility criteria in the manual. Resident status for the purpose of receiving assistance under this chapter shall be determined in the same manner as resident status for tuition purposes in Sections 37-103-1 through 37-103-29 , with the exception of Section 37-103-17 ;

(b) Each eligible student shall be qualified for funding under this chapter for up to six (6) dual enrollment/dual credit semester credit hours prior to high school graduation;

(c) All students who meet the eligibility requirements as outlined in the manual, regardless of participation method, whether online, at a participating institution's campus, at a high school campus, academic or career and technical education (CTE), shall meet the requirements for funding allocation to the participating institution;

(d) All Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Scholarship Program student recipients shall be required to participate in an advising component related to the Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool (MATT) to ensure their understanding of course transferability. Credits earned with a final grade of C or above on the eligible student's college transcript in courses offered through the program, whether academic or career and technical, shall transfer to any postsecondary institution in Mississippi;

(e) Books, course materials, tools, supplies, lab fees, transportation costs and other applicable course fees shall be the responsibility of the student or high school district; and

(f) Middle college students shall be qualified for the Mississippi Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Scholarship Program funding only if the institution complies with the requirements of the manual.

(3) To ensure appropriate articulation of college credits to other institutions, only the courses on the “Approved Academic Dual Credit Listing” shall be eligible for funding.

(4) Early college students are not eligible for the Mississippi Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Scholarship Program funding.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-16-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 16-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-16-7
Status: in_force

(1) Each district school board shall establish standards for graduation from its schools which shall include as a minimum:

(a) Mastery of minimum academic skills as measured by assessments developed and administered by the State Board of Education.

(b) Completion of a minimum number of academic credits, and all other applicable requirements prescribed by the district school board.

(c) By school, information on high school graduation rates. High schools with graduation rates lower than eighty percent (80%) must submit a detailed plan to the Mississippi Department of Education to restructure the high school experience to improve graduation rates.

(2) A student who meets all requirements prescribed in subsection (1) of this section shall be awarded a standard diploma in a form prescribed by the State Board of Education.

(3) The State Board of Education may establish student proficiency standards for promotion to grade levels leading to graduation.

(4) The State Board of Education shall develop a curriculum related to the study of sign language. Any such class developed by the board may count as an academic credit for foreign languages for the purposes of high school graduation requirements.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-75 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 106-75
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-75
Status: in_force

(1) The Legislature hereby establishes the Higher Education Legislative Plan Grant Program.

(2) For purposes of this section:

(a) “ Institution of higher education ” shall mean any state institution of higher learning or public community or junior college, or any regionally accredited, state-approved, nonprofit two-year or four-year college or university located in the State of Mississippi approved by the board.

(b) “ Tuition ” shall mean the semester or trimester or term charges and all required fees imposed by an institution of higher education as a condition of enrollment by all students. However, for a two-year nonpublic institution of higher education defined in paragraph (a), the tuition payments shall not exceed the average charges and fees required by all of the two-year public institutions of higher education defined in paragraph (a), and for a four-year nonpublic institution of higher education defined in paragraph (a), the tuition payments shall not exceed the average charges and fees required by all of the four-year public institutions of higher education defined in paragraph (a).

(3) Subject to the availability of funds, the state may pay the tuition of students who enroll at any state institution of higher education to pursue an academic undergraduate degree who apply for the assistance under the program and who meet all of the following qualifications:

(a) Resident of the State of Mississippi. Resident status for the purpose of receiving assistance under this chapter shall be determined in the same manner as resident status for tuition purposes in Sections 37-103-1 through 37-103-29 , with the exception of Section 37-103-17 ;

(b) Graduate from high school within the two (2) years preceding the application with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 calculated on a 4.0 scale;

(c) Successfully complete, as certified by the high school counselor or other school official, high school course work which includes the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) approved by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and required for admission into a state university;

(d) Have a composite score on the American College Test of at least twenty (20) on the 1989 version or an equivalent concordant value on an enhanced version of such test;

(e) Have no criminal record, except for misdemeanor traffic violations; and

(f) Be in financial need.

(4) Subject to the availability of funds, the state may pay the tuition of students who enroll at any state institution of higher education to pursue an academic undergraduate degree or associate degree who apply for assistance under the program and who meet the qualifications in paragraphs (a), (e) and (f) of subsection (3) but who fail to meet one (1) of the particular requirements established by paragraph (b), (c) or (d) of subsection (3) by an amount of ten percent (10%) or less.

(5) To maintain continued state payment of tuition, once enrolled in an institution of higher education, a student shall meet all of the following requirements:

(a) Make steady academic progress toward a degree, earning not less than the minimum number of hours of credit required for full-time standing in each academic period requiring such enrollment;

(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 board;

(c) Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 calculated on a 4.0 scale at the end of the first academic year and thereafter maintain such a cumulative grade point average as evaluated at the end of each academic year;

(d) Have no criminal record, except for misdemeanor traffic violations; and

(e) Be in financial need.

(6) The provisions of this section shall be administered by the board. The board may promulgate rules for all matters necessary for the implementation of this section. By rule, the board shall provide for:

(a) A mechanism for informing all students of the availability of the assistance provided under this section early enough in their schooling that a salutary motivational effect is possible;

(b) Applications, forms, financial audit procedures, eligibility and other program audit procedures and other matters related to efficient operation;

(c) A procedure for waiver through the 1996-1997 academic year of the program eligibility requirement for successful completion of a specified core curriculum upon proper documentation by the applicant that failure to comply with the requirement is due solely to the fact that the required course or courses were not available to the applicant at the school attended.

(7) An applicant shall be found to be in financial need if:

(a) The family has one (1) child under the age of twenty-one (21), and the annual adjusted gross income of the family is less than Forty-two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($42,500.00); or

(b) The family has an annual adjusted gross income of less than Forty-two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($42,500.00) plus Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for each additional child under the age of twenty-one (21).

The annual adjusted gross income of the family shall be verified by completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the completion of the verification process if the applicant is selected for it.

As used in this subsection, the term “family” for an unemancipated applicant means the applicant, the applicant's parents and other children under age twenty-one (21) of the applicant's parents. The term “family” for an emancipated applicant means the applicant, an applicant's spouse, and any children under age twenty-one (21) of the applicant and spouse.

(8) No student shall receive a grant under this section in an amount greater than the tuition charged by the school. The student must apply for a federal grant prior to receiving state funds.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-23 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 27-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-23
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of each county shall be the judges of the eligibility of all applicants for admission to any agricultural high school in the county. They shall not permit any applicant to become a student therein, when in the opinion of the said trustees the moral and mental characteristics of the applicant are such as would prove detrimental to the good morals of the institution.