Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-201 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 33-201
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-201
Status: in_force

All powers, duties and functions of the Department of Human Services and the Board of Human Services that are being exercised or performed by the Division of Rehabilitation Services and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind of the Department of Human Services on June 30, 1991, are transferred to the State Department of Rehabilitation Services and the State Board of Rehabilitation Services on July 1, 1991. All records, property and contractual rights and obligations of, and unexpended balances of appropriations and any other allocations to, the Department of Human Services and the Board of Human Services that relate to the powers, duties and functions exercised or performed by the Division of Rehabilitation Services and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind of the Department of Human Services on June 30, 1991, shall be transferred to the State Department of Rehabilitation Services and the State Board of Rehabilitation Services on or before July 1, 1991. The State Fiscal Officer shall transfer to the State Department of Rehabilitation Services all funds that are allocated to the Division of Rehabilitation Services and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind of the Department of Human Services in House Bill 1536, 1991 Regular Session [ Laws 1991, Ch. 47 ], and such funds shall be used by the State Department of Rehabilitation Services during fiscal year 1992 under the same terms and conditions as specified for those funds in House Bill 1536, 1991 Regular Session [ Laws 1991, Ch. 47 ]. Any positions of the former State Department of Rehabilitation Services and the former Rehabilitation Agency for the Blind that were transferred to the Department of Human Services on July 1, 1989, whose duties primarily involved the providing of rehabilitation services or the providing of related administrative or support services shall be transferred to the State Department of Rehabilitation Services on July 1, 1991, at a level commensurate with the level of each respective position on June 30, 1989. The Department of Human Services and the Board of Human Services shall assist the State Department of Rehabilitation Services and the State Board of Rehabilitation Services with the greatest degree of cooperation to carry out the intent and purpose of this act and to accomplish an orderly transition. The Department of Human Services shall comply with all of the provisions of Section 5 of House Bill 1536, 1991 Regular Session [ Laws 1991, Ch. 47 ], even though this act [Laws 1991, Ch. 608] was introduced under the authority of a different resolution than the one cited in Section 5 of House Bill 1536, 1991 Regular Session [ Laws 1991, Ch. 47 ].
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-19 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 113-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-19
Status: in_force

The State of Mississippi by its legislature assents to and accepts the provisions and requirements of an act entitled “An act to provide for the further development of agricultural extension work between the agricultural colleges in the several states receiving the benefits of the act entitled ‘An act donating public lands of the several counties and territories which may provide colleges for the benefit of agriculture and the mechanical arts,’ approved July 2, 1862, and all acts supplementary thereto, and the United States Department of Agriculture,” approved by the President on the 22nd day of May, 1928. The board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning, on behalf of the Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science, is authorized and empowered to receive the grants of money appropriated under said act and to organize and conduct agricultural extension work, which shall be carried on in connection with the said university in accordance with the terms and conditions expressed in the said act of congress.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 101-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-1
Status: in_force

The following state institutions of higher learning shall be under the management and control of a board of trustees to be known as the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, namely:

(a) The University of Mississippi;

(b) Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science;

(c) Mississippi University for Women;

(d) The University of Southern Mississippi;

(e) Delta State University;

(f) Alcorn State University;

(g) Jackson State University;

(h) Mississippi Valley State University;

(i) And any other of like kind which may be hereafter established by the state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-15 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 106-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-15
Status: in_force

The earned interest paid into the post-secondary education assistance fund as provided in Section 37-106-13 shall be utilized to finance the cost of administration of this chapter. All remaining interest after payment of such administrative expenses shall be utilized to provide additional loans.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-6 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 113-6
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-6
Status: in_force

The lands and property of Mississippi State University shall not be subject to state, county or municipal taxation. The buildings and improvements that are or may be erected on any land belonging to the university that has been or may be leased to private entities for the purpose of affording affordable board to the students attending the institution shall not be subject to taxation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-155-125 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 155-125
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-155-125
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 parts of this article which remain.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-175-17 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 175-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-175-17
Status: in_force

(1) To be eligible to participate in the Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship for Students with Speech-Language Impairments Program, a nonpublic school must:

(a) Be a state accredited nonpublic special purpose school in the state that is organized to provide and emphasizes instruction in speech-language therapy and intervention as the primary purpose of the school;

(b) Provide to the department all documentation required for a student's participation, including the nonpublic school's and student's fee schedules, at least thirty (30) days before the first quarterly scholarship payment is made for the student;

(c) Be academically accountable to the parent or legal guardian for meeting the educational needs of the student by, at a minimum, annually providing to the parent or legal guardian a written explanation of the student's progress;

(d) Maintain in this state a physical location where a scholarship student regularly attends classes.

(2) The inability of a nonpublic school to meet the requirements of this subsection shall constitute a basis for the ineligibility of the nonpublic school to participate in the scholarship program as determined by the department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-204 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 7-204
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-204
Status: in_force

In the event that a vacancy occurs in the office of any elected trustee of a countywide municipal separate school district, and the next regular school board election at which the vacancy may be filled is less than one (1) year from the date of the resignation, the school board of the district may, in its discretion, take action to appoint an interim board member to fill the vacancy until a duly qualified successor takes office. The interim board member shall serve until such time as the successor board member is duly elected to fill the unexpired term, pursuant to an election held at the next regularly scheduled school board election held in the county.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-43-23 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-43-23
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to advertise for and receive sealed bids for textbooks. Bidders shall quote their lowest net wholesale prices, f.o.b. destination being the board-authorized regional depository. The board may, in its discretion, establish a state depository or approve regional depositories located in reasonable proximity to the state, or inaugurate any other plan for the distribution of books. Such prices shall not be higher than the lowest price at which books are sold anywhere in the United States, after all discounts are allowed. It is the intent of the Legislature that the price paid for a textbook shall not exceed the lowest price at which the same book, both having the same copyright date, is sold anywhere in the United States after all discounts are allowed. Every contract entered into under the provisions of this section by the board and any publisher or publishing company shall contain a provision that the publisher covenants and agrees that he is not furnishing under contract executed after the first day of January of the year in which the contract becomes effective, to any state, county or school district in the United States, the textbooks embraced in the contract at a price below the price stipulated therein. At any time that the board may find that any book or books, in either regular or special editions, are being furnished in any other state at a lower price under contract than it is being furnished in Mississippi, the contract shall be forfeited to the state. Any contractor who violates this provision shall return all money paid out for such book or books and also forfeit such book or books to the state, and suit may be brought on the bond of the contractor for all losses sustained.

Successful bidders or contractors may maintain a depository at a place within the State of Mississippi or within a regional area located in reasonable proximity to the state, to be named by the board, where a stock of books sufficient to meet all reasonable and immediate demands shall be kept. Upon requisition of the board, an approved depository shall ship books, transportation charges paid, to the various shipping points in Mississippi to be specified by the board. For such service the depository shall make no charge to the board except the actual cost of transportation from the depository to the shipping point designated. The cost of distribution shall not exceed eight percent (8%) of the total appropriation for any fiscal year.

All books furnished the State of Mississippi by contractors under this chapter shall continue to measure up to the same standards as are required in the contract, said standards to include printing, binding, cover boards, mechanical makeup, and any other relevant points as set out in the plans and specifications as fixed by the board. Any contractor of any book or books, who fails to keep said books up to said standards, shall forfeit, not only his contract to the state, but shall return all money paid out for such book or books and also forfeit said books to the state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-145-63 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 145-63
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-145-63
Status: in_force

Subsequent amendments to Sections 37-145-43 through 37-145-73 shall not limit the rights vested in the company with respect to any agreements made with, or remedies available to, the holders of bonds issued under Sections 37-145-43 through 37-145-73 prior to the enactment of the amendments until the bonds, together with all interest thereon, and all costs and expenses in connection with any proceeding by or on behalf of the holders, are fully met and discharged.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-57 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 11-57
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-57
Status: in_force

(1) Except in the case of excessive force or cruel and unusual punishment, a public school teacher, assistant teacher, principal, or an assistant principal acting within the course and scope of his employment shall not be liable for any action carried out in conformity with state or federal law or rules or regulations of the State Board of Education or the local school board or governing board of a charter school regarding the control, discipline, suspension and expulsion of students. The local school board shall provide any necessary legal defense to a teacher, assistant teacher, principal, or assistant principal in the school district who was acting within the course and scope of his employment in any action which may be filed against such school personnel. A school district or charter school, as the case may be, shall be entitled to reimbursement for legal fees and expenses from its employee if a court finds that the act of the employee was outside the course and scope of his employment, or that the employee was acting with criminal intent. Any action by a school district or charter school against its employee and any action by the employee against the school district or charter school for necessary legal fees and expenses shall be tried to the court in the same suit brought against the school employee.

(2) Corporal punishment administered in a reasonable manner, or any reasonable action to maintain control and discipline of students taken by a public school teacher, assistant teacher, principal or assistant principal acting within the scope of his employment or function and in accordance with any state or federal laws or rules or regulations of the State Board of Education or the local school board or governing board of a charter school does not constitute negligence or child abuse. No public school teacher, assistant teacher, principal or assistant principal so acting shall be held liable in a suit for civil damages alleged to have been suffered by a student as a result of the administration of corporal punishment, or the taking of action to maintain control and discipline of a student, unless the court determines that the teacher, assistant teacher, principal or assistant principal acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose or in a manner exhibiting a wanton and willful disregard of human rights or safety. For the purposes of this subsection, “ corporal punishment ” means the reasonable use of physical force or physical contact by a teacher, assistant teacher, principal or assistant principal, as may be necessary to maintain discipline, to enforce a school rule, for self-protection or for the protection of other students from disruptive students.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section a public school teacher, assistant teacher, principal, assistant principal or other school personnel is prohibited from using corporal punishment, as defined in subsection (2) of this section, on any student with a disability. No school personnel shall be granted immunity from liability under subsection (2) of this section for the use of corporal punishment on a student with a disability. For purposes of this subsection, the term “ student with a disability ” means a student who has an individualized education plan (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or a Section 504 plan under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The term “ school personnel ” includes all individuals employed on a full-time or part-time basis by a public school.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-63-9 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 63-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-63-9
Status: in_force

(1) The authority is authorized and empowered to lease, purchase, own, construct, operate, manage and be the licensee of educational television and radio stations, production centers, transmission sites and all related equipment and facilities for the production and/or transmission of broadcast, closed circuit, fixed services (ITFS-2500 megahertz), radio and any other means necessary to provide complete coverage of educational television and radio in the state. The authority is also authorized and empowered to lease, purchase, own and operate any type of vehicle necessary for use in transporting equipment, production crews and service personnel.

(2) The authority, and any other state agency or board licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to provide ITFS educational television, are authorized and empowered to provide access to video learning resources for all Mississippi public schools through the development of multi-channel interactive video systems (ITFS) for the public schools which shall be able to interact with other school districts in the state. In order to establish the ITFS system without expenditure of significant state funds, the authority, and any such other state agency or board licensee with the approval of the authority, are authorized and empowered to enter such contracts as may be necessary, including contracts with any private educational institution or private nonprofit educational organization in regard to the construction, purchase, lease or lease-purchase of facilities and equipment, employment of personnel, and the operation and management of said ITFS system for the purpose of providing ITFS educational television services to educational institutions and interested citizens in the state. The authority shall provide that all public schools are equipped to utilize the ITFS system by no later than July 1, 1998.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-103 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 23-103
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-103
Status: in_force

The board of supervisors of any such county is hereby authorized, in its discretion, to levy an ad valorem tax on all taxable property within the county not to exceed two mills, the avails of which shall be used for the construction, operation, furnishings and maintenance of any such center so established. The tax levy herein authorized shall not be reimbursable under the homestead exemption laws of this state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-149 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 23-149
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-149
Status: in_force

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a special fund to be designated as the “Special Education, Special Services Fund” which shall be used to distribute any funds specifically appropriated by the Legislature to such fund. This Special Education, Special Services Fund will be used solely for the provision of direct services to individual children with disabilities. Any funds remaining in the fund at the end of the fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, but shall carryover to subsequent fiscal years. Any interest accruing on any unexpended balance in the Special Education, Special Services Fund shall be invested by the State Treasurer and shall remain in the fund.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-41-91 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 41-91
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-41-91
Status: in_force

Where the amount of the indebtedness to be incurred does not exceed the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), the school board may issue negotiable notes as evidence of the indebtedness so incurred. Said notes shall be issued without an election thereon and without giving notice of the intention to issue same. However, where the amount of the indebtedness to be incurred exceeds the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), then the school board may, at its option, either issue negotiable notes or may issue bonds as evidence of the indebtedness so incurred. Notes or bonds issued under the authority of Section 37-41-89 may be issued and the funds borrowed thereunder without the necessity of giving notice thereof except as specifically provided herein, and specifically without the necessity of complying with the requirements of Section 31-19-25 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-101 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 151-101
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-101
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the State Department of Education to file with the State Treasurer and the State Fiscal Officer such data and information as may be required to enable the said State Treasurer and State Fiscal Officer to distribute the total funding formula funds provided in Sections 37-151-200 through 37-151-215 by electronic funds transfer to the several school districts and charter schools at the time required and provided under the provisions of this chapter. Such data and information so filed shall show in detail the amount of funds to which each school district and charter school is entitled under the total funding formula. Such data and information so filed may be revised from time to time as necessitated by law. At the time provided by law, the State Treasurer and the State Fiscal Officer shall distribute to the several school districts and charter schools the amounts to which they are entitled under the total funding formula as provided by this chapter. Such distribution shall be made by electronic funds transfer to the depositories of the several school districts and charter schools designated in writing to the State Treasurer based upon the data and information supplied by the State Department of Education for such distribution. In such instances, the State Treasurer shall submit a request for an electronic funds transfer to the State Fiscal Officer, which shall set forth the purpose, amount and payees, and shall be in such form as may be approved by the State Fiscal Officer so as to provide the necessary information as would be required for a requisition and issuance of a warrant. A copy of the record of the electronic funds transfers shall be transmitted by the school district and charter school depositories to the Treasurer, who shall file duplicates with the State Fiscal Officer. The Treasurer and State Fiscal Officer shall jointly promulgate regulations for the utilization of electronic funds transfers to school districts and charter schools.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-181-13 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 181-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-181-13
Status: in_force

(1) The Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) shall prepare a biannual report, beginning in 2018 and every two (2) years thereafter, assessing efficacy of Education Scholarship Accounts, to include the sufficiency of funding, and recommending any suggested changes in state law or policy necessary to improve the ESA program.

(2) The report shall assess:

(a) The degree to which eligible schools are meeting the needs of participating students as defined by the participating students' IEPs;

(b) The level of participating students' satisfaction with the ESA program;

(c) The level of parental or guardian satisfaction with the ESA program;

(d) Participating students' performance, both pre-assessment and post-assessment, on the eligible school's current assessment used to demonstrate academic progress, a nationally standardized norm-referenced achievement test, or a current state board-approved screener, as required in Section 37-181-15(f) ;

(e) Participating students' performance on Advanced Placement examinations or similar courses and any examinations related to college or university admission; provided that eligible schools must report participating students' performance on Advance Placement examinations and any examinations related to college or university admission;

(f) The four-year high school graduation rates and college acceptance rates of participating students; provided that eligible schools must report participating students' high school graduation rates and, if known, college acceptance rates;

(g) The percentage of funds used for each qualifying expense identified in Section 37-181-5(2) ; and

(h) The fiscal impact to the state and home school districts of the ESA program, which must consider both the impact on revenue and the impact on expenses. Furthermore, the fiscal savings associated with students departing public schools must be explicitly quantified, even if the public school losing the student(s) does not reduce its spending accordingly.

(3) The report shall:

(a) Apply appropriate analytical and behavioral science methodologies to ensure public confidence in the study; and

(b) Protect the identity of participating students and schools by, among other things, keeping anonymous all disaggregated data.

(4) PEER shall provide the Legislature with a final copy of the report of the ESA program before December 31 each year the report is due. At the same time, the study shall also be placed in a prominent location on the PEER website.

(5) PEER must make its data and methodology available for public review while complying with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( 20 USCS Section 1232(g) ).
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-155-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 155-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-155-7
Status: in_force

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

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

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

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

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

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

(5) A majority of the currently serving members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the purposes of conducting business and exercising its official powers and duties. Any action taken by the board shall be upon the vote of a majority of the members present.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-65-129 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 65-129
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-65-129
Status: in_force

In the event any board of trustees shall fail or refuse to comply with the provisions of Sections 37-65-119 through 37-65-127 , a failure to act being equivalent to a refusal, then any ten or more qualified electors who have personally signed said petition may appeal from the action or nonaction of such board of trustees to the chancery court of the county in which all or a major portion of such school district is situated, within twenty days after the date by which said board is required to determine whether such petition or petitions are properly signed by the required percentage of qualified electors necessary to require the opening of any school or schools of the district which have been closed. Such appeal shall not serve as a supersedeas or cause an opening of such school or schools pending the hearing of the appeal unless a court or chancellor in vacation, for good cause shown, orders such school or schools to be opened pending the appeal. The appeal shall be by sworn bill of complaint, filed in such chancery court within said twenty-day period. The secretary of the interested board or boards of trustees shall, within fifteen days after the filing of such bill of complaint, file in such chancery court a certified copy of all orders, petitions and findings by such board of trustees; however, he may, in his discretion, file, instead of making copies thereof, the duplicate original copy of the petitions theretofore filed or delivered, if such has been done, with the president or secretary of said board of trustees. Neither the provisions of this section nor any other provision of this article shall be or constitute any waiver of the immunity from suit of any school district or member of the board of trustees thereof except strictly in accord with the terms of this article.

The hearing on appeal shall be de novo and may be heard in term time or in vacation on such date as the chancellor may set. The court may enter such order as the board of trustees involved should have made or affirm the action of such board of trustees. Said appeal shall be tried in the same manner and by the same rules of pleading, procedure and evidence as other causes in chancery courts of Mississippi. The action of such board of trustees shall be affirmed if there be substantial evidence to support the action taken by it. The said board and any qualified electors of the district, by proper pleading, answer or demurrer as used in the chancery courts of this state, may defend the action or nonaction of the board from which the appeal is taken, and be a party thereto.

Any parties to such appeal may appeal from the decision of the chancellor or chancery court to the supreme court of Mississippi as in appeals in other cases from the chancery courts of this state and such case shall be a preference case and treated as such.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-79 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 11-79
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-79
Status: in_force

(1) It shall be unlawful for any public school which has a limited open forum to deny equal access or a fair opportunity to, or discriminate against, any students who wish to conduct a meeting within that limited open forum on the basis of the political, philosophical, ideological or other content of the speech at such meetings.

(2) Nothing in Sections 37-11-77 and 37-11-79 shall be construed to limit the authority of the school, its agents or employees, to maintain order and discipline on school premises, to protect the well-being of students and faculty, and to assure that attendance of students at meetings is voluntary.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-335 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 7-335
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-335
Status: in_force

(1) The school board of any school district shall be authorized to charge reasonable fees, but not more than the actual cost, for the following:

(a) Supplemental instructional materials and supplies, excluding textbooks;

(b) Any other fees designated by the local school board as fees related to a valid curriculum educational objective, including transportation; and

(c) Extracurricular activities and any other educational activities of the school district that are not designated by the local school board as valid curriculum educational objectives, such as band trips and athletic events.

(2)(a) All fees authorized to be charged under this section, except those fees authorized under subsection (1)(c) of this section, shall be charged only upon the condition that the school board of each school district shall adopt a financial hardship waiver policy that shall be kept in the strictest of confidence with all files and personal disclosures restricted from review by the general public. The financial hardship waiver policy must be distributed in writing to pupils at the time of enrollment. Any family who qualifies for the National School Lunch Program, as created by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 USCS Section 1751 et seq. ), shall receive a financial hardship waiver.

The board shall insure that a pupil eligible to have any such fees waived as a result of an inability to pay for those fees, shall not be discriminated against nor shall there be any overt identification of any pupil who has received a financial hardship waiver by use of special tokens or tickets, announcements, posting or publication of names, physical separation, choice of materials or by any other means. In no case shall any school district's procedures expose any pupil receiving a hardship waiver to any type of stigma or ridicule by other pupils or school district personnel.

(b) The confidentiality of the financial hardship waiver policy adopted by the school board shall apply to any students who have an inability to pay any fees authorized under subsection (1) of this section.

(3) In no case shall the inability to pay the assessment of fees authorized under the provisions of this section result in a pupil being denied or deprived of any academic awards or standards, any class selection, grade, diploma, transcript or the right to participate in any activity related to educational enhancement.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-17 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 106-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-17
Status: in_force

Any student desiring financial assistance shall submit an application to the board on an annual basis. The director shall adhere to the board's rules and regulations promulgated under authority of this chapter in determining the eligibility of each applicant and in administering the programs authorized in this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-43-23 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 43-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-43-23
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to advertise for and receive sealed bids for textbooks. Bidders shall quote their lowest net wholesale prices, f.o.b. destination being the board-authorized regional depository. The board may, in its discretion, establish a state depository or approve regional depositories located in reasonable proximity to the state, or inaugurate any other plan for the distribution of books. Such prices shall not be higher than the lowest price at which books are sold anywhere in the United States, after all discounts are allowed. It is the intent of the Legislature that the price paid for a textbook shall not exceed the lowest price at which the same book, both having the same copyright date, is sold anywhere in the United States after all discounts are allowed. Every contract entered into under the provisions of this section by the board and any publisher or publishing company shall contain a provision that the publisher covenants and agrees that he is not furnishing under contract executed after the first day of January of the year in which the contract becomes effective, to any state, county or school district in the United States, the textbooks embraced in the contract at a price below the price stipulated therein. At any time that the board may find that any book or books, in either regular or special editions, are being furnished in any other state at a lower price under contract than it is being furnished in Mississippi, the contract shall be forfeited to the state. Any contractor who violates this provision shall return all money paid out for such book or books and also forfeit such book or books to the state, and suit may be brought on the bond of the contractor for all losses sustained.

Successful bidders or contractors may maintain a depository at a place within the State of Mississippi or within a regional area located in reasonable proximity to the state, to be named by the board, where a stock of books sufficient to meet all reasonable and immediate demands shall be kept. Upon requisition of the board, an approved depository shall ship books, transportation charges paid, to the various shipping points in Mississippi to be specified by the board. For such service the depository shall make no charge to the board except the actual cost of transportation from the depository to the shipping point designated. The cost of distribution shall not exceed eight percent (8%) of the total appropriation for any fiscal year.

All books furnished the State of Mississippi by contractors under this chapter shall continue to measure up to the same standards as are required in the contract, said standards to include printing, binding, cover boards, mechanical makeup, and any other relevant points as set out in the plans and specifications as fixed by the board. Any contractor of any book or books, who fails to keep said books up to said standards, shall forfeit, not only his contract to the state, but shall return all money paid out for such book or books and also forfeit said books to the state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-67 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 23-67
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-67
Status: in_force

The State Department of Education shall have the power to receive and administer all funds for or hereafter appropriated to, provided for, or otherwise accruing to, the State Department of Education for the purpose of providing financial assistance to students attending private schools, parochial schools or speech, hearing and/or language clinics that are accredited by a state or regional accrediting agency or approved/licensed by the State Department of Education, for the purpose of defraying the cost of the administration of Sections 37-23-61 through 37-23-75 , and for any and all purposes necessary or proper for the administration of the provisions of said sections.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-121 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 115-121
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-121
Status: in_force

The new building, currently under construction at the University of Mississippi School of Law, located in Oxford, Mississippi, shall be named the “Robert C. Khayat Law Center.” The University of Mississippi School of Law shall prepare a distinctive plaque, to be placed in a prominent place within the building, which states the background, accomplishments and service to the university of Dr. Khayat.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-81 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 113-81
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-81
Status: in_force

(1) A veterinarian shall be released from the program contract without penalty if:

(a) The veterinarian has completed the service requirements of the contract;

(b) The veterinarian is unable to complete the service requirements of the contract because of a permanent physical disability;

(c) The veterinarian demonstrates extreme hardship or shows other good cause justifying the release; or

(d) The veterinarian dies.

(2) An obligation to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine in accordance with the provisions of Section 37-113-77 shall be postponed during:

(a) Any period of temporary medical disability during which the person obligated is unable to practice veterinary medicine due to the disability; and

(b) Any other period of postponement agreed to or determined in accordance with criteria agreed to in the practice agreement.

(3) A veterinarian shall be released from further performance of veterinary services under the program contract if he or she is unable to perform his or her contractual obligations to provide veterinary services due to the suspension or revocation of his or her federal accreditation or denial, refusal of renewal, limitation, suspension, revocation, or other disciplinary measure taken against his or her license to practice in the State of Mississippi pursuant to the Mississippi Veterinary Practice Act, Chapter 39, Title 73, Mississippi Code of 1972 , particularly, Sections 73-39-75 and 73-39-77 . If a veterinarian is released from his or her contract pursuant to this subsection, the program may recover a portion of or all of the payments made to such veterinarian under Section 37-113-77 . The dean may use appropriate remedies available to enforce this subsection.

(4) Upon the failure of a person to satisfy the obligation to engage in the full-time practice of veterinary medicine in a rural community in accordance with the provisions of this section with no just cause as outlined in subsection (1), that person shall, within ninety (90) days of the failure, be liable for the repayment of all financial assistance provided to such person through the program prescribed in accordance with the policies adopted by the dean, less a prorated amount based on any periods of veterinary medicine practice meeting the requirements of this section, plus interest at the prime rate of two percent (2%) from the date the assistance accrued. The interest on any unpaid obligation for violations specified in this subsection shall be compounded annually.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 45-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-7
Status: in_force

Each member of the commission shall, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, enter into a good and sufficient surety bond in the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) payable to the State of Mississippi and conditioned upon the faithful discharge of his duties. Said bond shall be executed by some surety company authorized to do business in this state. The premiums thereon shall be paid from any funds which may be available to the commission for such purpose.

Any member of the commission may have his vote on any question before the commission recorded on the minutes thereof at the time of the vote, and a member of the commission who votes against an illegal, unlawful or unauthorized expenditure of funds shall not be liable therefor.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-41-45 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 41-45
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-41-45
Status: in_force

It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to use a publicly owned school district bus for any purpose other than one in connection with the school, and, upon conviction thereof, such person shall be fined not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00). When any publicly owned school district bus is being operated on the public roads or highways at a time other than the usual and customary time for the transportation of children to and from the public schools, members of the Highway Safety Patrol, sheriffs, constables and other peace officers shall have the power and authority to stop such bus for the purpose of ascertaining whether the trip then being made is authorized by law. If it be found that such trip is unauthorized, such highway patrolman, sheriff, constable or other peace or police officer shall forthwith report the same to the school board owning such bus and to the State Department of Education.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 106-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-3
Status: in_force

(1) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that:

(a) By legislative enactment, programs are herein created wherein Mississippi residents are granted forgivable loans in certain professional fields in return for their contractual obligation to perform services in such professions under a variety of requirements of location, duration, manner and mode of service, and institution in which performed;

(b) There is a need for the creation of additional forgivable loan programs for the purpose of encouraging eligible Mississippi residents to enter into professional schools, and that, in particular, there should be programs to encourage the participation of minorities in graduate professional programs in the institutions of this state;

(c) There is a need to create an ability within the board to fashion new and innovative systems for the financing of forgivable loan programs by combining the use of private sector loans for education and guaranteed student loans with loan repayment programs promulgated by the board; and

(d) The board should be granted authority to devise and develop such innovative systems to obtain the most efficient use of state funds to encourage entry and service in certain professional fields.

(2) The purpose of the Legislature in the passage of this chapter is to make manifest the belief that the continued growth and development of Mississippi requires that all Mississippi youth be assured ample opportunity for the fullest development of their abilities and to recognize that this opportunity will not fully materialize unless the State of Mississippi moves to encourage and financially assist our young people in their efforts. This chapter shall be broadly construed to accomplish that purpose.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-27 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 45-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-27
Status: in_force

In conducting any hearing, the commission shall not be required to follow common law or statutory rules of evidence or the technical or formal rules of procedure. Any such hearing may be conducted in such manner as the commission may deem best to ascertain and determine the physical, mental, moral, social and educational welfare of the educable children involved, the efficiency of the operation of the schools, and the economic and social welfare of the various school areas involved.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-147 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 23-147
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-147
Status: in_force

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

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

Recognition may be given to these schools during a meeting of the Mississippi State Board of Education at a date determined by the board. Information on these exemplary programs shall be provided to other school districts and the general public through news releases, the state department website, and other similar avenues.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-31-81 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-81
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-31-81
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education is hereby authorized and directed to establish Future Farmers of America camps. Such locations shall be finally determined by the board.

The board is hereby authorized and empowered to acquire land and to place thereon such buildings and equipment as may be deemed appropriate for the establishment and operation of Future Farmers of America camps. The board shall provide for the operation, maintenance and upkeep of said camps.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-31-37 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 31-37
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-31-37
Status: in_force

The state board of education shall make such reports, in such form and containing such information, as the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare may from time to time require under the terms of the federal social security act, and shall comply with such provisions as the secretary may from time to time find necessary to assure the correctness and verification of such reports.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-35 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 27-35
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-35
Status: in_force

The trustees of an agricultural high school in one county may acquire by donation the plant (including lands, buildings, and equipment) of a privately owned educational institution situated on land outside of but adjoining the county line, and thereon and therewith maintain and operate an agricultural high school as though it were wholly located in the county receiving the donation. All laws governing the maintenance and operation of agricultural high schools shall apply to the operation, management and control of said high school as if it were situated within the county operating it.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-163 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 33-163
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-163
Status: in_force

The Office of Disability Determination Services established by Section 37-33-153 shall be administered by a director appointed by the Executive Director of the State Department of Rehabilitation Services. The director shall devote his full time to the proper administration of the office. In carrying out his duties under this chapter, the director:

(a) Shall enter into agreements on behalf of the State Department of Rehabilitation Services and the State of Mississippi with the federal Social Security Administration or its successor in order to implement the provisions of the federal Social Security Act relating to the determination of disabilities under Title II and Title XVI, and shall enter into contracts necessary to provide such disability determination functions as allowed under applicable federal regulation;

(b) Shall, with the approval of the executive director, make regulations governing Mississippi applications for disability benefits under Title II and Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act, and make such other regulations as are found necessary to implement the functions of the office prescribed under this chapter;

(c) Shall, with the approval of the executive director, establish appropriate subordinate administrative units within the office;

(d) Shall, with the approval of the executive director, be responsible for appointing supervisors, assistants, physicians, and other employees or entering into purchase of service contracts, as are necessary for the efficient performance of the functions of the office, subject to the rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the State Personnel Board as created under Section 25-9-101 et seq. ;

(e) Shall prepare and submit to the board through the executive director annual reports of activities and expenditures, and estimates of the amounts to be made available to the office from all sources; and

(f) Shall, with the approval of the executive director and the board, take such other action as he deems necessary or appropriate to implement the functions of the office.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-69 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 11-69
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-69
Status: in_force

(1) Each local school district shall include in its personnel policies, discipline policies and code of student conduct a prohibition against bullying or harassing behavior and adopt procedures for reporting, investigating and addressing such behavior, that:

(a) Prohibit the bullying of a student;

(b) Prohibit retaliation against any person, including a victim, a witness, or another person, who in good faith provides information concerning an incident of bullying;

(c) Establish a procedure for providing notice of an incident of bullying to a parent or guardian of the victim and a parent or guardian of the bully within a reasonable amount of time after the incident;

(d) Establish the actions a student should take to obtain assistance and intervention in response to bullying;

(e) Set out the available counseling options for a student who is a victim of or a witness to bullying or who engages in bullying;

(f) Establish procedures for reporting an incident of bullying, investigating a reported incident of bullying and determining whether the reported incident of bullying occurred;

(g) Prohibit the imposition of a disciplinary measure on a student who, after an investigation, is found to be a victim of bullying, on the basis of that student's use of reasonable self-defense in response to the bullying; and

(h) Require that discipline for bullying of a student with disabilities comply with applicable requirements under federal law, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 USCS Section 1400 et seq. ).

(2) The policies must recognize the fundamental right of every student to take reasonable actions as may be necessary to defend himself or herself from an attack by another student who has evidenced menacing or threatening behavior through bullying or harassing.

(3) The procedure for reporting bullying established under subsection (1) of this section must be posted on the district's Internet website.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-401 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 7-401
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-401
Status: in_force

In all cases where the same shall be necessary, advantageous or desirable from the standpoint of transportation, the efficiency of operating schools, or other pertinent considerations, any school district which has been reconstituted, reorganized or created under the provisions of Article 1 of this chapter may, with the prior consent and approval of the State Board of Education, acquire land outside of the boundaries of said school district and thereon construct, erect and equip any needed school building or other school facility of such school district. Any available state public school building funds, or any available funds derived from bonds issued by the school district for such purpose, or any other funds which are available to said school district for such purpose, may be expended for the construction, erecting and equipping of such a school building or school facility, all, however, subject to the prior consent and approval of the State Board of Education. Any school building or school facility so constructed outside of the boundaries of the school district owning same shall be operated, managed and supervised by the school board of the school district owning same in the same manner as though the building or facility were located within the school district, and all the laws of this state concerning the operation of schools shall be fully applicable thereto, and the school board shall have the power to specify the grades which shall be taught therein.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-125 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 101-125
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-125
Status: in_force

Orders or resolutions of the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning authorizing the investment of funds or the sale and redemption of bonds and other obligations purchased therewith under the provisions of Sections 37-101-121 and 37-101-123 , may be in general terms and may confer continuing authority upon the person or persons authorized to act. It shall not be necessary that separate resolutions or orders be passed and adopted with reference to each transaction.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-175-11 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 175-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-175-11
Status: in_force

A parent or legal guardian who applies for a Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship is exercising his or her parental option to place his or her child in a nonpublic school. Each participating parent or legal guardian and student shall adhere to the following:

(a) The parent or legal guardian must select the nonpublic school and apply for the admission of his or her child;

(b) The parent or legal guardian must have requested the scholarship at least thirty (30) days before the date of the first scholarship payment;

(c) Any student participating in the Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship for Students with Speech-Language Impairments Program must remain in attendance throughout the school year unless excused by the school for illness or other good cause; and

(d) Each parent or legal guardian and each student has an obligation to the nonpublic special purpose school to comply with the nonpublic special purpose school's published policies.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-121-15 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 121-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-121-15
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Small Farm Development Center (MSFDC) on the campus of Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, shall be renamed the Mississippi Small Farm and Agribusiness Center (MSFAC).
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-43-51 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 43-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-43-51
Status: in_force

The management of all public, private, parochial or denominational schools wherein the board is furnishing to the students thereof free school textbooks and said free school textbooks are used by the students in said school, shall file annually with the State Board of Education any and all reports as may be required by the board.

Any person who shall refuse, neglect or fail to file any report required by the board shall be denied a new allocation of funds until such reports have been completed and filed with the board.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-271 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 29-271
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-271
Status: in_force

Where any agricultural high school has extended its curriculum, so as to include freshman and sophomore years of college work, the board of trustees of the agricultural high school, with the approval of the county board of education of the county in which the school is located, may abolish all its high school work and confine its activities to junior college work. Where the high school department is abolished in any agricultural high school-junior college under the provisions of this section, and it later appears that it would be to the interest of the agricultural high school-junior college and the county in which the school is located, the board of trustees of the agricultural high school of the county in which the school is located, may, in its discretion, with the consent of the county board of education restore all or any part of the high school department to the curriculum of the agricultural high school-junior college.

When any agricultural high school-junior college abolishes its high school department as provided in this section all laws relating to agricultural high school for tax levies for the support of the school, and all other laws relating to the government and management of agricultural high schools and agricultural high school-junior colleges, not inconsistent with the provisions of this section, shall continue in full force and effect for the junior college department of said school.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-175-27 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 175-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-175-27
Status: in_force

No liability shall arise on the part of the state based on the award or use of a Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-155-11 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 155-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-155-11
Status: in_force

The board shall make prepaid tuition contracts available for the: (1) junior college plan; (2) senior college plan; and (3) junior-senior college plan.

(a) Junior College Plan. Through the junior college plan, a prepaid tuition contract shall provide tuition and required fees for the beneficiary to attend a public community or junior college for a specified number of undergraduate credit hours not to exceed the typical full-time hourly course load as defined by the institution for tuition payment purposes or up to a maximum of two (2) years required for a certificate or an associate degree awarded by a public community or junior college.

(b) Senior College Plan. Through the senior college plan, a prepaid tuition contract shall provide prepaid tuition and required fees for the beneficiary to attend a public senior college or university for a specified number of undergraduate credit hours not to exceed the typical full-time hourly course load as defined by the institution for tuition payment purposes or up to a maximum of five (5) years required for a baccalaureate degree awarded by a public senior college or university.

(c) Junior-Senior College Plan. Through the junior-senior college plan, a prepaid tuition contract shall provide prepaid tuition and required fees for the beneficiary to attend:

(i) A public community or junior college for a specified number of undergraduate credit hours not to exceed the typical full-time hourly course load as defined by the institution for tuition payment purposes or up to a maximum of two (2) years required for a person to receive a certificate or associate degree awarded by a public community or junior college; and

(ii) A public senior college or university for a specified number of credit hours not to exceed the typical full-time hourly course load as defined by the institution for tuition payment purposes or up to a maximum of five (5) years required for the person to receive a baccalaureate degree awarded by a public senior college or university.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-175-17 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 175-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-175-17
Status: in_force

(1) To be eligible to participate in the Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship for Students with Speech-Language Impairments Program, a nonpublic school must:

(a) Be a state accredited nonpublic special purpose school in the state that is organized to provide and emphasizes instruction in speech-language therapy and intervention as the primary purpose of the school;

(b) Provide to the department all documentation required for a student's participation, including the nonpublic school's and student's fee schedules, at least thirty (30) days before the first quarterly scholarship payment is made for the student;

(c) Be academically accountable to the parent or legal guardian for meeting the educational needs of the student by, at a minimum, annually providing to the parent or legal guardian a written explanation of the student's progress;

(d) Maintain in this state a physical location where a scholarship student regularly attends classes.

(2) The inability of a nonpublic school to meet the requirements of this subsection shall constitute a basis for the ineligibility of the nonpublic school to participate in the scholarship program as determined by the department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-121-9 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 121-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-121-9
Status: in_force

The Marks Vegetable Processing Facility located at 1300 Killebrew Road in Marks, Mississippi, and operated by Alcorn State University, shall be named the Clayton P. Henderson Vegetable Processing Facility. Alcorn State University shall prepare a distinctive plaque to be placed in a prominent place within the Clayton P. Henderson Vegetable Processing Facility, which states the background, accomplishments and service to the state of the Honorable Clayton P. Henderson.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-13 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 113-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-13
Status: in_force

The superintendent of education of each county, after due notice published, shall give certificates of selection to the number of students to which the county is entitled to have admitted to the Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science, and this in addition to those already in the university, if any. This selection of new students shall be made by drawing, if more than the county's quota apply.

The certificate of selection shall be attested by the clerk of the board of supervisors under its seal, and shall entitle the holder to admission into the university, with all its privileges, to pursue all its industrial branches selected, and to enter the subclass or class for which he is fitted.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-51 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 153-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-51
Status: in_force

The provisions of this article shall be known and may be cited as the “American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Workforce Development and Retention Act.” Under this article, the Legislature creates the Accelerate Mississippi Workforce Development Program and the Mississippi Health Sciences Training Infrastructure Grant Program.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-69 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 13-69
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-69
Status: in_force

All public schools of this state may observe such legal holidays as may be designated by the local school board, and no sessions of school shall be held on holidays so designated and observed. However, all schools shall operate for the full minimum term required by law exclusive of the holidays authorized by this section. The holidays thus observed shall not be deducted from the reports of the superintendents, principals and teachers, and such superintendents, principals and teachers shall be allowed pay for full time as though they had taught on those holidays. However, such holidays shall not be counted or included in any way in determining the net enrollment of the school.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-159-13 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 159-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-159-13
Status: in_force

(1) There is established a pilot program to provide for the construction of rental housing units for teachers in the West Tallahatchie School District, which pilot program shall be administered by the State Department of Education. The department may contract with one or more public or private entities to provide assistance in implementing and administering the program. The State Board of Education shall adopt rules and regulations regarding the implementation and administration of the program.

(2) The West Tallahatchie School District shall receive proposals from developers for the construction of the rental housing units, and submit its recommendation to the State Department of Education about which developer should construct the units. The department shall make the final determination about the developer that will construct the units.

(3) After selection of the developer, the department shall loan the developer not more than Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) for construction of the units. The interest rate on the loan shall be equal to one percent (1%) below the discount rate at the Federal Reserve Bank in the Federal Reserve district in which the school district is located, and the loan shall be repaid in not more than fifteen (15) years, as determined by the department. All funds received by the department as repayment of the principal and interest of the loan shall be deposited in the Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Fund. If a claim against the developer for repayment is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection, the obligor shall be liable for an additional amount equal to a reasonable attorney's fee.

(4) The developer shall operate the rental housing units. For a period of ten (10) years or until such time as the loan to the developer is repaid, whichever is longer, the priority for residence in the units shall be given first to teachers employed by the school district, then to other licensed school district employees, and then to any other school district employees.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-429 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 29-429
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-429
Status: in_force

When the board of trustees of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College District shall determine that it is necessary to procure additional funds by issuance of bonds for the purpose of making capital outlays for the construction and equipping of buildings, athletic fields, other structures, and related facilities, or for making repairs or providing funds for use in conjunction with funds provided by or available from any governmental, public or private source by loan, donation, matching program or grant, it may adopt a resolution declaring the necessity for said funds, that the same are unavailable from other sources and declare the purpose for which said funds are required and to be expended which purposes may, in addition to the foregoing, include any and all of the purposes for which school district bonds may be issued. In its said resolution the board of trustees shall determine and adjudge that the said bonds when issued will not result in the imposition on the property of the district of an indebtedness of more than five percent of the assessed valuation of the taxable property in the junior college district for junior college purposes, according to the latest completed assessment for taxation, shall specify the maximum amount in which said bonds may be issued, give the general proposed schedule of maturities and the details with respect to said bonds. In all matters where not otherwise herein provided the said bonds shall conform to the provisions of law governing school district bonds. Upon request of the board of trustees the clerk of the chancery court of each county shall furnish his certificate showing the totals of the latest completed assessment for taxation of all taxable property of the county, including motor vehicles.

Said resolution may call upon the boards of supervisors of the several counties to require an election to be called to determine whether or not the said bonds shall be issued or it may, in the discretion of said board of trustees, determine to issue the said bonds unless protest shall be filed and an election called pursuant thereto as set out in Section 37-29-431 . In the event that the board of trustees shall determine to cause an election to be called as above mentioned, the election shall be held and the results thereof ascertained and given effect in the manner as is set out in Section 37-29-431 and provided for in cases where an election is called upon the petition of twenty percent (20%) of the qualified electors of the county.

Prior to its resolution determining to issue said bonds or call an election thereon, the board of trustees of the junior college district shall inform the board of supervisors of each of the counties of its proposal and may be required, by the board of supervisors of any county, to cause to be made a survey, by one or more impartial experts, of the building needs of the district, setting out the same in the order of priority. If such a survey has been conducted within the past twenty-four (24) months a new one shall not be required but the board of supervisors for the several counties shall be furnished with copies of the survey.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-209 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 13-209
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-209
Status: in_force

The State Department of Education shall review district-submitted courses to enable schools to utilize high quality online computer science courses to meet the needs of such schools as a result of Sections 37-13-201 through 37-13-213 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-133 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 29-133
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-133
Status: in_force

All such leases shall contain an option granting the board the right to purchase the leased property upon the expiration of the primary term or upon such earlier date as may be agreed upon. With respect to leased machinery, furniture, fixtures and equipment, the purchase price shall be specified in the lease contract separately and distinctly from that portion of lease payments attributable to interest. With respect to other property, the purchase price, excluding payments attributable to interest, shall not exceed the appraised fair market value of the leased property at the time the college takes possession of the property for occupancy.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-63-11 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-63-11
Status: in_force

(1) The Authority for Educational Television is empowered to request and to receive such state funds for educational television construction and operation as may be appropriated or allocated to it, and to solicit and receive contributions, matching funds, gifts, bequests and devises from any source, whether federal, state, public or private. It may enter into agreements with federal, state, public or private agencies, departments, institutions, firms, corporations or persons for the production, transmission, sale, lease or purchase of educational television and educational radio programs, or any research and development projects, joint ventures pertaining to content or other projects that do not duplicate communication facilities or services utilized under contract by the state and that the authority determines are in its best interests. The authority may enter into any contracts and other agreements necessary for those purposes, and in doing so, the authority may agree to terms of indemnification, the law of another state or jurisdiction or other necessary terms when, in the judgment of the authority, that would be in its best interests. The authority may delegate to its executive director its power to enter into these contracts or other agreements, or to exercise any of its other powers, in accordance with guidelines established by the authority. All materials produced or received by the authority in the exercise of its power, in the preceding provisions of this subsection, that are protected by copyright or considered confidential or proprietary information of third parties, shall not be public records. All such materials shall not be subject to release under the Public Records Act. The authority may also lease antenna space on television towers which it owns. Before the authority is empowered to contract for communication facilities to carry television signals, it shall obtain written authority to do so from the Department of Finance and Administration in order to ensure that there be no duplication of state communication facilities.

(2) There is hereby established in the State Treasury a special fund for the purpose of providing for the payment of all expenses in respect to the administration of this chapter. Such fund shall be administered by the authority. The State Treasurer shall be the custodian of such funds and all monies and securities in such fund shall be held in trust by such Treasurer and shall not be the money or property of the state. The State Treasurer is authorized to disburse monies from such fund only upon order of the authority. The official bond of the State Treasurer shall be conditioned for the faithful performance of his duty hereunder. The State Treasurer shall deposit any monies paid into such fund into such qualified depository banks as the authority may designate and is authorized to invest any portion of the fund which, in the opinion of the authority, is not needed for current requirements in the same manner and subject to all provisions of the law with respect to the deposit of state funds by such Treasurer. All interest earned by such portion of the fund as may be invested by the State Treasurer shall be collected by him and placed to the credit of such fund.

(3) The Authority for Educational Television is empowered to provide noncommercial production or reproduction services for other public agencies, and may collect the costs of providing the services from the public agency. These costs shall be deposited into the special fund.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-146-9 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 146-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-146-9
Status: in_force

(1) Participants must adhere to the policies and practices as stipulated by the commission to continue in the program.

(2) Students in the program may receive tuition or other financial support that may be provided by the commission. If a student in the program is admitted to and completes dental school, any tuition or other educational and living support provided to the student by the commission will be forgiven. However, if the student is not successful in being accepted into dental school within three (3) years of entry into the Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship Program, or if the student otherwise breaches his or her agreement with the commission, all financial assistance provided to the student must be repaid according to policies adopted by the board.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-155 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 33-155
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-155
Status: in_force

(1) There is created the State Board of Rehabilitation Services, which shall consist of two (2) appointed members and the following five (5) officials: the Executive Officer of the State Department of Health; the Executive Director of the State Department of Mental Health; the State Superintendent of Public Education, or his designee; the Director of the Division of Vocational and Technical Education of the State Department of Education; and the Executive Director of the Department of Human Services.

Of the two (2) appointed members, one (1) shall be either an individual who is a client of vocational rehabilitation services or a parent of an individual who is a client of vocational rehabilitation services, and the other shall be either an individual who is visually impaired or a parent of an individual who is visually impaired. The appointed members shall be appointed by the Governor from the state at large, with one (1) appointed for a term to expire on July 1, 1994, and the other appointed for a term to expire on July 1, 1996. Upon the expiration of the initial terms, the members shall be appointed for terms of five (5) years from the expiration date of the previous term. All original and subsequent appointments shall be with the advice and consent of the Senate. An appointment to fill a vacancy, other than by expiration of a term of office, shall be made for the balance of the unexpired term. No board appointee shall be an employee or elected official of the State of Mississippi or a political subdivision thereof, or an employee of the former State Department of Rehabilitation Services before July 1, 1989, or an employee of the Division of Rehabilitation Services of the Department of Human Services or any subordinate administrative unit of the division before July 1, 1991, or an employee of the State Department of Rehabilitation Services after June 30, 1991.

(2) The board shall elect a chairperson from its membership at the first meeting of the original board members and every two (2) years thereafter on July 15 of the year. A majority of the membership of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business, and the board shall meet at least quarterly and hold other meetings as are necessary for the purpose of conducting required business. All meetings of the board shall be called by the chairperson, except the first meeting of the original board members, which shall be called by the Governor.

(3) The appointed members of the board shall be compensated at a per diem rate as authorized by Section 25-3-69 , plus actual and necessary expenses as authorized by Section 25-3-41 . Members of the board appointed before July 1, 1991, shall be paid compensation and expenses under this subsection from funds available to the Division of Rehabilitation Services of the Department of Human Services.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-47-45 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 47-45
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-47-45
Status: in_force

All bonds issued under the authority of this chapter shall mature annually. None of such bonds shall have a final maturity date of more than twenty (20) years from the date of the issuance thereof, and in no event shall the final maturity date of any such bonds be later than July 1, 2004. In issuing such bonds, the state bond commission shall be authorized and empowered to provide maturities therefor in such amounts and at such times as the state bond commission shall deem appropriate, proper and feasible. No bonds shall be issued and sold under the provisions of this chapter for less than par and accrued interest.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-41-55 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 41-55
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-41-55
Status: in_force

(1) The driver of every school transportation vehicle used to transport pupils, on approaching any railroad crossing, shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop within fifty (50) feet but not less than fifteen (15) feet from the nearest rail of the railroad. While stopped, the driver shall open the service door and driver's window, and look and listen for:

(a) Approaching trains or any other vehicle operated upon the rails for the purpose of maintenance of railroads, including, but not limited to, all hi-rail vehicles and on-track maintenance machines; and

(b) Signals indicating the approach of a train or other vehicle or machine operated upon the rails.

The driver shall not proceed until the driver has determined that it is safe to proceed.

(2) The driver of every school transportation vehicle used to transport pupils, on approaching any highway intersection, shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shall not proceed until the driver has determined that it is safe to proceed.

(3) Any driver who fails to bring his vehicle to a complete stop and follow the procedures as herein required is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) for each offense.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-51 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 153-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-51
Status: in_force

The provisions of this article shall be known and may be cited as the “American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Workforce Development and Retention Act.” Under this article, the Legislature creates the Accelerate Mississippi Workforce Development Program and the Mississippi Health Sciences Training Infrastructure Grant Program.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-131-5 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 131-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-131-5
Status: in_force

When any educable children of any school district are attending a demonstration or practice school under a contract, as authorized by Section 37-131-3 , who would otherwise be entitled to transportation at public expense under any applicable statute, such children shall remain entitled to such transportation and shall be reported for the allotment of transportation funds by the county or municipal separate school district in which they reside and, when so reported, transportation funds shall be allotted to the county or municipal separate school district therefor just as though such pupil were attending a regular school of the county or municipal separate school district, and transportation therefor shall be furnished by the county board of education or board of trustees of the municipal separate school district, as the case may be, as is otherwise provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-183 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 13-183
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-183
Status: in_force

Assessment of the students' understanding of the character traits chosen to be taught in public school shall be limited to and must reflect the material taught in the classroom. Students shall not be evaluated in any way as to whether or not the students evidence a specific character trait in their own lives.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-351 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 101-351
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-351
Status: in_force

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning is hereby authorized to establish an executive institute which shall be responsible for providing advanced training and assessment for public sector executives, elected officials, state board and commission members, and officers and employees of local government entities of the State of Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-23 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / 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.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-31-35 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 31-35
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-31-35
Status: in_force

Sections 37-31-31 through 37-31-41 , together with funds made available through that section of those sections of the federal social security act which relates to crippled children, together with any and all available state and federal appropriations, shall be administered by the state board of education, and shall be used in the further development of the state's program of physical restoration of crippled children. The state board of education is hereby authorized to accept donations, gifts and bequests and to expend same on approval of the executive officer of the board, for purposes approved under regulations of the state board of education.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-567 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 29-567
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-567
Status: in_force

The Board of Trustees of the Coahoma Community College District shall have the general borrowing and bonding authority provided in Sections 37-29-101 through 37-29-127 . The board of trustees shall have the taxation authority provided in Sections 37-29-141 through 37-29-145 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-133 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 33-133
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-133
Status: in_force

Any funds obtained by the State Department of Rehabilitation Services as a result of the manufacture of goods shall be used and accounted for separately from any funds received by the department through appropriations from the Legislature. All nonappropriated funds generated by community rehabilitation program facilities shall not be subject to appropriation by the Legislature, but must be used in accordance with the federal regulations set forth by The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-61-29 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 61-29
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-61-29
Status: in_force

The State Department of Audit is hereby authorized and empowered to post-audit and investigate the financial affairs and all transactions involving the school funds of the school district including the total funding formula funds and supplementary district school funds, and to make separate and special audits thereof, as now provided by Sections 7-7-201 through 7-7-215 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-509 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 29-509
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-509
Status: in_force

(1) The Meridian Junior College District shall be under the executive direction of a president elected by the board of trustees of such district.

(2) The president of the community college shall be general manager of all fiscal and administrative affairs of the district with full authority to select, employ, direct and discharge any and all employees other than faculty. He shall have the power to recommend to the board of trustees all faculty to be employed, and he may remove or suspend any member of the faculty subject to the approval of the board of trustees. The president shall have the authority, subject to the approval of the board of trustees, to arrange and survey courses of study, fix schedules and establish and enforce rules and discipline for the governing of faculty and students. He shall be the general custodian of the property of the district.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-104-29 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 104-29
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-104-29
Status: in_force

Revenue bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the State of Mississippi or a pledge of the faith and credit of the state, but such bonds shall be payable solely from the sinking fund provided therefor, as hereinafter established in Section 37-104-31 . The issuance of such revenue bonds shall not directly, indirectly or contingently obligate the state to levy or pledge any form of taxation whatever therefor, and all such revenue bonds shall contain recitals on their face substantially covering the foregoing provisions of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-61-29 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 61-29
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-61-29
Status: in_force

The State Department of Audit is hereby authorized and empowered to post-audit and investigate the financial affairs and all transactions involving the school funds of the school district including the total funding formula funds and supplementary district school funds, and to make separate and special audits thereof, as now provided by Sections 7-7-201 through 7-7-215 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-35-13 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 35-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-35-13
Status: in_force

(1) It is unlawful for anyone knowingly and willfully to do any of the following acts regarding the High School Equivalency Diploma:

(a) Give an examinee access to test questions prior to testing;

(b) Copy or reproduce all or any portion of any secure test booklet or completed test;

(c) Coach an examinee during testing or alter or interfere with an examinee's response in any way;

(d) Make an answer key available to an examinee;

(e) Forge, counterfeit or alter a transcript, diploma, grade report or High School Equivalency Diploma test;

(f) Fail to account for all secure test materials before, during and after testing;

(g) Participate in, direct, aid, counsel, assist in, encourage, fail to report any of the acts prohibited in this section, or engage in any activity with the intent to fraudulently obtain a High School Equivalency Diploma.

(2) Any person violating any provisions of subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or be imprisoned for not more than ninety (90) days, or both. Upon conviction, the Mississippi Community College Board may suspend or revoke the High School Equivalency Diploma credential of the person convicted.

(3) The district attorney or county prosecuting attorney shall investigate allegations of violations of this section, either on their own initiative or following the receipt of an allegation, or at the request of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board.

(4) The district attorney or county prosecuting attorney shall furnish to the Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board a report of the findings of any investigation conducted pursuant to this section.

(5) Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit or interfere with the responsibilities of the Mississippi Community College Board in test development or selection, test form construction, standard setting, test scoring and reporting, or any other related activities which in the judgment of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board are necessary and appropriate.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-157 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / 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. § 37-33-203 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 33-203
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-203
Status: in_force

Sections 37-33-203 through 37-33-223 shall be known as the “Special Disability Programs Law of Mississippi.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-20 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 11-20
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-20
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to intimidate, threaten or coerce, or attempt to intimidate, threaten or coerce, whether by illegal force, threats of force or by the distribution of intimidating, threatening or coercive material, any person enrolled in any school for the purpose of interfering with the right of that person to attend school classes or of causing him not to attend such classes.

Upon conviction of violation of any provision of this section, such individual shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), imprisonment in jail for a period not to exceed six (6) months, or both. Any person under the age of seventeen (17) years who violates any provision of this section shall be treated as a delinquent within the jurisdiction of the youth court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-173-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 173-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-173-7
Status: in_force

(1) A student is not eligible for a Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship while he or she is:

(a) Enrolled in a school operating for the purpose of providing educational services to youth in Department of Juvenile Justice commitment programs;

(b) Participating in a homeschool education program;

(c) Participating in a virtual school, correspondence school, or distance learning program that receives state funding under the student's participation unless the participation is limited to no more than two (2) courses per school year;

(d) Not having regular and direct contact with his or her private school teachers at the school's physical location.

(2)(a) For purposes of continuity of educational choice, a Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship shall remain in force until the student returns to a public school or completes Grade 12, whichever occurs first.

(b) Upon reasonable notice to the department and the school district, the student's parent or legal guardian may remove the student from the nonpublic school and place the student in a public school in accordance with this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-111 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 23-111
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-111
Status: in_force

Any center created under the provisions of Sections 37-23-91 through 37-23-111 may be constructed at any location within the county either in or outside of a municipality.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-305 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 7-305
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-305
Status: in_force

The school board of any school district is hereby authorized and empowered, in its discretion, to lease lands owned by the school district, or any land the title to which is in the school board of the district in their trust capacity, for oil, gas and mineral exploration and development upon such terms and conditions and for such considerations as the school board, in its discretion, shall deem proper and advisable. However, no oil, gas or mineral lease shall be for a primary term of more than ten (10) years and said lease or leases shall provide for annual rentals of not less than One Dollar ($1.00) per acre and shall provide for royalties of not less than three-sixteenths ( 3 / 16 ths) of all oil, gas and other minerals produced, including sulphur. Every such lease so executed shall empower the lessee to enter upon the premises leased and to explore and develop such premises for oil or gas, or either, or for such other minerals as may be included in the terms of said lease, and to do all things necessary or expedient for the production or preservation of any such products. All rentals, royalties or other revenue payable under any lease executed under the provisions of this section shall be paid to and collected by the school board of the school district and shall be deposited in the school district fund and used and expended in the same manner and subject to the same restrictions as provided by law in the case of other money on deposit in such fund. All leases executed pursuant to this section shall inure to the benefit of the lessee named therein and his heirs or assigns and in case the lessee be a corporation, to such lessee and its assigns. Said leases shall specifically provide that no damages shall be permitted to existing school buildings or facilities thereto.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-329 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 101-329
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-329
Status: in_force

Sections 37-101-301 through 37-101-331 shall be deemed to be full and complete authority for the exercise of the powers herein granted, but Sections 37-101-301 through 37-101-331 shall not be deemed to repeal or to be in derogation of any existing law of this state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-175-23 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 175-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-175-23
Status: in_force

Teachers and other school personnel shall be subject to criminal history record checks and fingerprinting requirements applicable to other public schools under Section 37-9-17(2) and (3) .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-39 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 45-39
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-39
Status: in_force

The reporter shall act in the same capacity as an official court reporter of the chancery courts of this state. His shorthand notes and the transcription thereof shall be preserved in the same manner and accorded the same verity as those of chancery court reporters.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-231 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 29-231
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-231
Status: repealed

(1) The provisions of Sections 37-103-1 through 37-103-29 relating to the legal residence of and tuition to be charged any student applying for admission to state educational institutions shall be applicable to the boards of trustees of each junior college district in the state and to the administrative authorities of each such junior college governed by said board.

(2)(a) The board of trustees of each community or junior college is authorized, in its discretion and as deemed necessary, to enter into contract with a municipality as authorized under Section 21-25-23 , or into an interlocal agreement with the county governing authority of the county wherein the community or junior college is located if situated outside of the incorporated limits of any city or municipality therein, to provide fire protection and first responder services to the main campus of the community or junior college for which the contract or interlocal agreement was entered. In addition to fire protection services, first responder services shall also include law enforcement services and emergency medical transportation services.

(b) Upon entering such contract or interlocal agreement, the board of trustees of the community or junior college receiving services under the contract or interlocal agreement may assess each student a fee not to exceed Five Dollars ($5.00), each semester to offset the cost associated with the services provided, which shall be allocated by the board of trustees to the local governing authority providing first responder services. This paragraph (b) shall stand repealed on July 1, 2027.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-121-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 121-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-121-3
Status: in_force

All the provisions in Chapter 113 of this title, being sections applicable to the Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science, that can reasonably apply to Alcorn State University, shall apply to the college, except those sections on the subject of apportioning students among the several counties of the state and dormitory privileges for them and those sections on the subject of agricultural experimental stations.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-11 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 106-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-11
Status: in_force

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

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

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

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

(5) All funds administered by the board shall be accounted for in an annual report that shall be submitted to the Legislature within ten (10) days after the convening thereof each year. The report should detail for each grant or forgivable loan program the number of recipients, the total amount of awards made, and the average award amount. The report shall include the number of students at each institution receiving financial assistance and the amount of the assistance. For forgivable loan programs, the report shall also include a summary of the repayment status and method of repayment for student cohorts as well as an accounting of the receipt of funds in repayment.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-28-51 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 28-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-28-51
Status: in_force

A charter school is eligible to participate in state-sponsored or district-sponsored athletic and academic interscholastic leagues, competitions, awards, scholarships and recognition programs for students, educators, administrators and schools to the same extent as noncharter public schools.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-89 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 27-89
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-89
Status: in_force

All funds placed to the credit of the county common school fund, under the provisions of Sections 37-27-83 , 37-27-87 , shall be distributed in the same manner as is provided for the distribution of the county common school funds, and shall be used for the support and maintenance of the public schools of the county.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-15-4 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 15-4
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-15-4
Status: in_force

The school board of every school district, as created and empowered by law, shall keep and preserve permanently a copy of all district-wide reports required by the State Board of Education to be filed on an annual basis.

Copies of those district-wide reports required by the State Board of Education on less than an annual basis may be destroyed after five (5) years upon approval of the school board of the school district.

All supporting documents necessary to compile such district-wide reports, except as delineated in Section 37-15-8 may be destroyed after three (3) years following the academic year for which the report was made upon approval of the school board of the school district.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-279 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 101-279
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-279
Status: in_force

(1) If a borrower defaults on an educational loan or scholarship, the Attorney General of the State of Mississippi shall bring suit against the defaulting party as soon as practicable.

(2) A suit against a defaulting party under this section may be brought in the county in which the defaulting person resides, in which the lender is located, or in any Hinds County court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-15-21 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 15-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-15-21
Status: in_force

If any parent, guardian or other person having custody of any child affected by the assignment of such child to a school or attendance center by the school board shall feel aggrieved at the order of the school board provided for in Section 37-15-17 , such person may, at any time within thirty (30) days from the date of such order, appeal therefrom by filing a petition for appeal in the circuit court of the county in which the school district involved is located. Upon the filing of such petition for an appeal, process shall be issued for and served upon the president of the school board of the school district involved. Upon being served with process, it shall be the duty of the school board to transmit promptly to the court a certified copy of the entire record of the proceedings as shown by the file of the school board. From the judgment of the circuit court, an appeal may be taken to the Supreme Court in the same manner as other appeals are taken from other judgments of such court.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-221 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 33-221
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-221
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful, except for purposes directly connected with the administration of the Office of Special Disability Programs and in accordance with regulations, for any person or persons to solicit, disclose, receive, or make use of, or authorize, knowingly permit, participate in, or acquiesce in the use of any list of, or names of, or any information concerning persons applying for or receiving services under the Office of Special Disability Programs, directly or indirectly derived from the records, papers, files, or communications of the state or subdivisions or agencies thereof, or acquired in the course of the performance of official duties, except in response to summons, subpoena or other order of a court. Any violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor and punishable accordingly.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-9 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 13-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-9
Status: in_force

The state board of education is hereby authorized to appoint a curriculum committee, composed of professional and lay members, not to exceed seven in number, to make a continuous study of the curriculum of the public schools and to make recommendations to the state board of education from time to time as to changes which should be made in the curriculum in the grammar school grades and in the high school grades. The members of such committee as of July 1, 1954, shall continue to serve until the expiration of the terms for which they were appointed; thereafter the members of such committee shall be appointed and serve for a term of two years and until their successors are appointed. Each member of said committee shall receive a per diem of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) for each day actually spent attending the meetings of the committee and, in addition, each member shall be reimbursed for actual travel expenses at the rate of six cents ($.06) per mile for each mile traveled in attending the meetings of the committee. However, the total amount paid to any member of the committee for per diem shall not exceed the sum of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) in any one year. The per diem and travel expenses provided for herein shall be paid out of such appropriation as may be made for such purpose by the legislature.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-103-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 103-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-103-1
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of each junior college in this state, the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning, and the administrative authorities of each institution governed by said boards, in ascertaining and determining the legal residence of and tuition to be charged any student applying for admission to such institutions shall be governed by the definitions and conditions set forth in Sections 37-103-1 through 37-103-23 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-105 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 115-105
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-105
Status: in_force

The school of dentistry created and authorized by Sections 37-115-101 through 37-115-111 shall be in operation within three (3) years from the date the legislature makes funds available for the construction of a building to house said school; provided, however, that no staff may be employed and no construction may begin until one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($1,250,000.00) from the City of Jackson and one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($1,250,000.00) from Hinds County has been deposited in the state treasury for use by the building commission in construction and furnishing of the dental school. The board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning is authorized and directed to take any and all necessary and proper actions for the implementation of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-145-9 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 145-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-145-9
Status: in_force

The company shall administer and manage all money, including all interest made on loans pursuant to this chapter and all principal repaid on loans in whatever manner maximizes the amount of money available to the Mississippi Opportunity Loan Fund that is consistent with federal reinsurance requirements and state budget practices.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-323 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 7-323
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-323
Status: in_force

Any act which, if committed within the limits of a city, town or village, or in any public place, would be a violation of the general laws of this state, shall be criminal and punishable if done on the campus, grounds or roads of any of the public schools of this state. The peace officers duly appointed by the school board of any school district are vested with the powers and subjected to the duties of a constable for the purpose of preventing all violations of law on school property within the district, and for preserving order and decorum thereon. The peace officers duly appointed by the school board of any school district are also vested with the powers and subjected to the duties of a constable for the purpose of preventing all violations of law that occur within five hundred (500) feet of any property owned by the school district, if reasonably determined to have a possible impact on the safety of students, faculty or staff of the school district while on said property. Provided, however, that nothing in this section shall be interpreted to require action by any such peace officer appointed by a school district to events occurring outside the boundaries of school property, nor shall any such school district or its employees be liable for any failure to act to any event occurring outside the boundaries of property owned by the school district.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-103-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 103-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-103-1
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of each junior college in this state, the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning, and the administrative authorities of each institution governed by said boards, in ascertaining and determining the legal residence of and tuition to be charged any student applying for admission to such institutions shall be governed by the definitions and conditions set forth in Sections 37-103-1 through 37-103-23 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-103-23 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 103-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-103-23
Status: in_force

All aliens are classified as nonresidents.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-110-7 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 110-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-110-7
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty and responsibility of universities participating in the intern program to nominate qualified graduate students to said program and to keep the program coordinator fully apprised of the academic development of the intern student, including any change in the student's educational status.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-24-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 24-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-24-3
Status: in_force

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

(a) “ Health care provider ” means a licensed physician or a licensed nurse practitioner, licensed physician assistant or licensed health care professional working within the person's scope of practice and under the direct supervision or written consultation of a physician. All health care providers referred to in this chapter also must be trained in the evaluation and management of concussions.

(b) “ School athletic event ” means activities sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) or the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS), and school-sponsored activities in Grades 7 through 12 of schools that are not members of the MHSAA or the MAIS which activities are organized and conducted in a manner substantially similar to activities that are sanctioned by the MHSAA or the MAIS.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-9-39 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 9-39
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-9-39
Status: in_force

(1) All school districts shall process a single monthly or a bimonthly payroll for employees, in the discretion of the local school board, consistent with the provisions of Section 37-157-103(1), except for December, when salaries or wages shall be paid by the last working day. Salaries or wages shall be paid at a minimum on a monthly basis. The standard contract for school district employees prescribed by the State Board of Education shall provide that school district employees shall earn a salary payable in equal monthly or bimonthly installments beginning in the first month of employment, regardless of the number of days worked in any particular month by the employee. Any employee failing to complete the contractual obligation of service, and who receives payment in excess of the installment for the period which such employee ceases employment with the school district, shall become liable immediately to the school board of the employing district for the sum of all amounts received in payment less the corresponding amount of any compensation paid for which service has been rendered, plus interest accruing at the current Stafford Loan rate at the time the person discontinues his or her service.

(2) Any school employee whose employment ends during a school term, regardless of the reason(s) the employment ended, shall be paid salary or wages only for that portion of the school term that employee actually worked. Nothing in this subsection (2) shall be construed to entitle any employee to payment of salary or wages when no work has been performed.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-459 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 29-459
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-459
Status: in_force

The President and the Board of Trustees of the Copiah-Lincoln Junior College District shall have the powers to do all things necessary for the successful operation of said district and the campuses located therein.

The several colleges of the district shall be under the direction of the board of trustees and the president. The board of trustees shall, by resolution or order, provide for the government, maintenance and operation of each campus of the district.

The President and the Board of Trustees of the Copiah-Lincoln Junior College District shall have the same powers as the presidents and trustees of other junior colleges in the State of Mississippi.

The delineation and enumeration of the powers and purposes set out in Sections 37-29-451 through 37-29-471 shall be deemed to be supplemental and additional and shall not be construed to restrict the powers of the governing authorities of the district or of any college or campus located therein so as to deny any of the rights, privileges and powers enjoyed by other junior colleges and junior college districts in the State of Mississippi.

The said Copiah-Lincoln Junior College District shall remain subject to the jurisdiction and control of the Mississippi Community College Board as now established or as the same may be hereafter changed by law, and shall be subject to all rules and regulations and all statutory limitations which are now in effect or may hereafter be imposed, except as the same may be in direct conflict with the provisions of Sections 37-29-451 through 37-29-471 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-67 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 13-67
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-67
Status: in_force

The number of hours of actual teaching which shall constitute a school day shall be determined and fixed by the board of trustees of the school district at not less than five and one-half (5 1 / 2 ) hours.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-148-9 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 148-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-148-9
Status: in_force

Before December 1 of each year, IHL shall file a report with the Governor, Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House of Representatives on the implementation of the Strengthening Mississippi Academic Research Through Business Act. For each research agreement where an investor was issued a SMART Business certificate during that year, the report must include, but not necessarily be limited to, the name of the investor and the rebate amount the investor was eligible to claim. For each SMART Business Accelerate Initiative disbursement certificate issued during that year, the report must include, but not necessarily be limited to, the name of the applicant, a description of the research validation and the amount of the disbursement.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-47-37 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 47-37
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-47-37
Status: in_force

If it shall appear to the satisfaction of the state bond commission from the request provided for in Section 37-47-35 :

(a) That the estimate of the needs for the then current fiscal year as shown pursuant to the requirement of Section 37-47-35 , requires bonds to be issued in the amount requested; and

(b) That the issue will be within the limitations prescribed by Section 37-47-33 ;

then it shall be the duty of the state bond commission to issue state school bonds in accordance with said request.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-49 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 106-49
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-106-49
Status: in_force

In connection with the forgivable loan programs administered by the board, and in addition to the funding of the same through the use of state funds, the board is authorized to establish a loan repayment mechanism employing agreements to repay private sector loans for education or guaranteed student loans. As an alternative to the forgivable loans administered by the board, the board is authorized to develop contractual relations with eligible applicants to repay, for and on behalf of the applicants, any or all outstanding private sector loans for education or guaranteed student loans, by undertaking to repay installments of interest and principal according to the requirement of the loans, so long as the applicants perform the terms of their loan or scholarship contracts with the board. The board may establish by rule and regulation the terms of the contracts so as to accomplish the purposes of the loan repayment programs, including, but not limited to: the maximum amount the board will undertake to repay; the maximum duration of the repayment arrangement or the period of required service; the geographical location for approved service; the nature of the service to be rendered; the needed professional occupations; the critical majors or subject areas of concentration; the criteria to determine need and the degree of need required for eligibility; and the scholastic achievement level required to be maintained by the student participants. The board may prescribe other rules and regulations as it deems necessary and proper to carry out the purposes and intent of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-6 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 113-6
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-6
Status: in_force

The lands and property of Mississippi State University shall not be subject to state, county or municipal taxation. The buildings and improvements that are or may be erected on any land belonging to the university that has been or may be leased to private entities for the purpose of affording affordable board to the students attending the institution shall not be subject to taxation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-221 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 153-221
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-221
Status: in_force

(1) The Office of Workforce Development shall establish and administer the Mississippi K-12 Workforce Development Grant Program for the purpose of constructing, remodeling, purchasing or upgrading equipment or otherwise providing support to career technical centers at the K-12 education level. The grant program shall be funded from any funds available to the Office of Workforce Development.

(2) The Office of Workforce Development shall prescribe the terms and conditions of the grant program. To be eligible to receive a grant from the Office of Workforce Development under the grant program, a school at the K-12 education level shall provide the following information:

(a) The number of students enrolled in the workforce development program for which the funds will be used;

(b) The purpose of the program;

(c) Whether the program fits into the ecosystem for the training needs in the area;

(d) Evidence of the school's local involvement with industry partners in the area; and

(e) Any other information that the office determines is necessary.

(3) The Office of Workforce Development may use a maximum of five percent (5%) of funds for the program for the administration of the program.

(4) The Office of Workforce Development shall comply with the reporting requirements provided in Section 37-153-7 . Each school that received grants from the program shall assist the office in completing the reporting requirement.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-29 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 45-29
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-45-29
Status: in_force

All notices or other process authorized or required to be served upon the commission shall be served upon the chairman and the executive secretary.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-61 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 151-61
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-61
Status: in_force

Any school board of any school district which may be aggrieved by any final rule, regulation or order of the State Board of Education adopted under the provisions of this chapter shall have the right to appeal therefrom to the chancery court of the county in which the school district involved or any part thereof is located in like manner, within the same time, with like effect, and subject in all other respects to appeals from orders, rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, the provisions of which are hereby made applicable in all respects to appeals from orders, rules and regulations of the commission under the provisions of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-57 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 27-57
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-57
Status: in_force

Any additional or supplemental expenses incurred by the agricultural high school or community or junior college in the instruction of such pupils above that defrayed by total funding formula funds as provided in Section 37-27-55 , shall be paid either from the amounts received from the state appropriation for the support of agricultural high schools or from the tax levy for the support of such agricultural high school or community or junior college or from any other funds which such agricultural high school or community or junior college may have available for such purpose.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-145-9 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 145-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-145-9
Status: in_force

The company shall administer and manage all money, including all interest made on loans pursuant to this chapter and all principal repaid on loans in whatever manner maximizes the amount of money available to the Mississippi Opportunity Loan Fund that is consistent with federal reinsurance requirements and state budget practices.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-301 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 29-301
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-301
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds and declares as follows:

(a) Mississippi's public community and junior colleges are Mississippi's best educational buy. An education at Mississippi's community and junior colleges is affordable and accessible to all. Mississippians have an option to attend a community or junior college close to home, with smaller class sizes and at approximately one-half ( 1 / 2 ) the cost of tuition at a public four-year institution;

(b) In recent fiscal years, appropriations for community and junior colleges have not kept pace with increases appropriated to Grades K-12 and the institutions of higher learning;

(c) A need exists to provide adequate funding for Mississippi's community and junior colleges; and

(d) Adequate funding should be accomplished through appropriate funding on a full-time equivalency (FTE) basis.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-75 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 115-75
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-75
Status: in_force

If any such county makes the contribution or donation as provided for in Section 37-115-69 , neither such donation nor any provisions of Sections 37-115-69 through 37-115-75 shall be held to give rise to any right of title, lien, encumbrance or other right in the buildings, facilities or equipment so constructed or acquired and installed by means of or with the aid of such contribution or donation or upon the site on which they are located. Neither shall such donation nor any provision of said sections give rise to any right or obligation on the part of such county with respect to the operation or maintenance of said educational facilities and equipment.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 29-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-1
Status: in_force

(1) The creation, establishment, maintenance and operation of community colleges is authorized. Community colleges may admit students if they have earned one (1) unit less than the number of units required for high school graduation established by State Board of Education policy or have earned a High School Equivalency Diploma in courses correlated to those of senior colleges or professional schools. Subject to the provisions of Section 75-76-34 , they shall offer, without limitation, education and training preparatory for occupations such as agriculture, industry of all kinds, business, homemaking and for other occupations on the semiprofessional and vocational-technical level. They may offer courses and services to students regardless of their previous educational attainment or further academic plans.

(2) The boards of trustees of the community college districts are authorized to establish an early admission program under which applicants having a minimum ACT composite score of twenty-six (26) or the equivalent SAT score may be admitted as full-time college students if the principal or guidance counselor of the student recommends in writing that it is in the best educational interest of the student. Such recommendation shall also state that the student's age will not keep him from being a successful full-time college student. Students admitted in the early admission program shall not be counted for total funding formula purposes in the net enrollment of the school district in which they reside, and transportation required by a student to participate in the early admission program shall be the responsibility of the parents or legal guardians of the student. Grades and college credits earned by students admitted to the early admission program shall be recorded on the college transcript at the community college where the student attends classes, and may be released to another institution or used for college graduation requirements only after the student has successfully completed one (1) full semester of course work.

(3) The community colleges shall provide, through courses or other acceptable educational measures, the general education necessary to individuals and groups which will tend to make them capable of living satisfactory lives consistent with the ideals of a democratic society.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-132-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 132-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-132-1
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, “student teacher” or “intern” shall mean a student enrolled in an institution of higher learning approved by the state board of education for teacher training and who is jointly assigned by such institution of higher learning and a board of education to student-teach or intern under the direction of a regularly employed certificated teacher, principal, or other administrator. Whenever in this chapter “board of education” is referred to and the school that a student teacher or intern is assigned to does not have a board of education, such term shall refer to the person or governing body that administers such school.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-111 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 115-111
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-111
Status: in_force

The state building commission is authorized and directed to provide suitable land presently state owned or received as a gift, and buildings to house the school of dentistry; and payment for the construction costs of such buildings shall be made from any money made available to carry out the provisions of Sections 37-115-101 through 37-115-111 . Any funds appropriated or granted from any source shall be put into a fund in the office of the state treasurer to be designated as the “School of Dentistry Fund.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-37 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 29-37
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-37
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 37-29-1 through 37-29-273 to the contrary, any existing publicly operated junior college, lying in and operated by a county bordering on the Mississippi River, may, in the discretion of the board of supervisors of such county, continue to operate said college under such terms and conditions as said board may deem necessary and requisite in the premises. The governing authorities of other counties and municipalities are authorized and empowered, in the discretion of said governing bodies, to appropriate funds for the support of said junior college.

(2) The provisions of the preceding subsection shall not impair nor abrogate the aforesaid county's obligations, duties, powers, and rights as a member county of the junior college district to which it is made a part by Section 37-29-31 .

(3) All of the property and facilities of any existing junior college located outside of the boundaries of the county owning and operating the same shall be and the same are hereby transferred to and vested in the board of trustees of the junior college district in which said county owning and operating said junior college is situated, and the board of trustees of said junior college district is authorized to continue the operation of said college under such terms and conditions as such board may deem necessary and requisite.

The governing authorities of other counties and municipalities lying outside of such junior college district are authorized and empowered, in the discretion of their governing bodies, to levy taxes and to appropriate funds for the support of such junior college.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-175-19 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 175-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-175-19
Status: in_force

(1) The department shall publicize information regarding the Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship on the department's official website.

(2) The department shall annually, by December 15, report to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives the department's actions with respect to implementing accountability in the scholarship program under this section, any substantiated allegations or violations of law or rule by an eligible nonpublic school under this program concerning the enrollment and attendance of students, the credentials of teachers, background screening of teachers, and teachers' fingerprinting results and the corrective action taken by the department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-104-25 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 15 / Section 104-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-104-25
Status: in_force

The proceeds of the sale of revenue bonds shall be paid into the State Treasury to the credit of a special fund known as the Educational Facilities Authority Fund; shall be used solely for financing or refinancing of the cost of the educational facility project, except as hereinafter provided, and shall be disbursed to the participating institution of higher learning upon order of the State Treasurer, pursuant to such restrictions, if any, as the bond loan agreement and the resolution authorizing the issuance of the revenue bonds may provide. If the proceeds of the revenue bonds, by error of calculation or otherwise, shall be less than the cost of the educational facility project, unless otherwise provided in the bond loan agreement and the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds, additional revenue bonds may in like manner be issued to provide the amount of such deficit which, unless otherwise provided in the bond loan agreement and the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds, shall be deemed to be of the same issue and shall be entitled to payment from the same fund without preference or priority of the revenue bonds first issued for the same purpose. If the proceeds of the revenue bonds of any issue shall exceed the amount required for the purpose for which the revenue bonds were issued, the surplus shall be paid into a sinking fund, hereinafter established in Section 37-104-31 , for the payment of the principal of and the interest on such revenue bonds.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-292 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 101-292
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-292
Status: in_force

(1) Within the limits of the funds available to the Mississippi Transportation Commission for such purpose, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation may pay a stipend to contractual services employees for educational expenses such as tuition, books and related fees to pursue junior or senior undergraduate level year coursework toward a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or graduate level coursework toward a master's degree in civil engineering to those applicants deemed qualified. It is the intent of the Legislature that such an educational program shall be used as a method of encouraging recruitment of well-qualified civil engineers for employment with the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

(2)(a) In order to be eligible for this program an undergraduate participant must:

(i) Have successfully obtained a minimum of fifty-eight (58) semester hours toward a bachelor of science in civil engineering from a state institution of higher learning that has been fully accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology;

(ii) Have achieved a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale on the previously obtained semester hours toward a bachelor of science in civil engineering; and

(iii) Agree to work as a civil engineer at the Mississippi Department of Transportation for a period of time equivalent to the period of time for which the applicant receives a stipend for educational expenses calculated to the nearest whole month.

(b) In order to be eligible for this program a graduate participant must:

(i) Have obtained a bachelor of science in civil engineering from a state institution of higher learning that has been fully accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology;

(ii) Have met the regular admission standards and been accepted into a master of science in civil engineering program at a state institution of higher learning that has been fully accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology;

(iii) Have submitted a proposed graduate program thesis project for review by the Department of Transportation; and

(iv) Agree to work as a civil engineer at the Mississippi Department of Transportation for a period of time equivalent to the period of time for which the applicant receives a stipend for educational expenses calculated to the nearest whole month.

(3)(a) Each participant shall enter into a contract with the Mississippi Transportation Commission, which shall be deemed a contract with the State of Mississippi, agreeing to the terms and conditions upon which the stipend shall be granted to him. The contract shall include such terms and provisions necessary to carry out the full purpose and intent of this section. The form of such contract shall be prepared and approved by the Attorney General of this state, and shall be signed by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation and the recipient. If the recipient is a minor, his minority disabilities shall be removed by a chancery court of competent jurisdiction before the contract is signed.

(b) The Mississippi Transportation Commission may cancel any contract made between it and any participant upon such cause being deemed sufficient by the executive director.

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

(d) Notice of pending default status shall be mailed to the recipient at the last known address prior to commencing a lawsuit.

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

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

(g) Appeals from a finding of default by the sponsoring agency shall be to the Circuit Court of Hinds County.

(h) Rules and regulations governing this program and other applicable matters may be promulgated by the sponsoring agency.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-15 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 27-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-15
Status: in_force

The trustees of agricultural high schools shall have control of the property, elect and fix salaries of all teachers of the school, and shall have full power to do all things necessary to the successful operation of said school. When a common school is taught in connection with an agricultural high school, the election of teachers for the common school department shall be made by the common school trustees in the same manner as is required of other common school trustees.

The trustees may, where in their judgment it would be beneficial to the school, pay the traveling expenses, hotel bills, and other necessary expenses of the executive head of the school in promoting the school's general welfare, provided that such traveling expenses, hotel bills, and other necessary expenses shall not exceed Nine Hundred Dollars ($900.00) annually.

Each member of the board of trustees, the county superintendent excepted, shall receive his actual expenses while on duty, provided that said expenses do not exceed Twelve Dollars and Fifty Cents ($12.50) per day, to be paid out of the county agricultural high school fund on receipt of an itemized statement issued to the county superintendent.

The board of trustees of a school established or maintained by the joint action of two or more counties, shall have all the power and discharge all the duties appertaining to boards of trustees of schools where only one county is interested.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-215 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / 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. § 37-133-5 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 133-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-133-5
Status: in_force

In addition to all other powers and duties now vested by law in the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning of the State of Mississippi, said board is hereby empowered and required to permit the establishment of technical institutes, as branches within the framework of the existing state institutions of higher learning, that have an ongoing program in the areas concerned, adequately staffed and equipped to offer a curriculum designed and intended to immediately initiate training (extending beyond the junior college level) in the field of vocational, scientific, engineering, technical, and aero-space education and the necessary supporting studies, so that the demands of heavy and aero-space industry and installations for skilled engineering technicians may be satisfied and maintained. The board shall require the curriculum of any technical institute established under the provisions of the Mississippi Technical Institute Law of 1964 to be complementary and supplementary to public junior college curriculums so that the full advantage of the educational resources of the State of Mississippi may be realized. The board shall permit the establishment of such technical institutes anywhere within the State of Mississippi, in the areas of most urgent need, on any land or facility presently, or hereafter, under the jurisdiction and control of the board and on such terms and conditions as shall seem appropriate. The state building commission shall, at its discretion, provide new buildings, facilities, and necessary repairs, renovations and remodeling of any facility designated by the board as a technical institute from funds made available for such purposes.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-154-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 154-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-154-1
Status: in_force

(1) To improve quality of life, education and employment opportunities for all citizens, the appropriate agencies of the State of Mississippi listed in subsection (2) of this section shall develop and maintain a State Longitudinal Data System (SLDS). The system will allow stakeholders and policymakers access data on state residents from birth to the workforce to drive accountability and investment decisions. The system will include data from multiple state agencies and entities. The system will provide decision makers a tool to develop policies to support objectives, including, but not limited to:

(a) Enabling Mississippians to secure and retain employment and receive better pay after completing training or postsecondary degrees;

(b) Enabling Mississippi to meet the education and job skill demands of business and industry;

(c) Developing an early warning system, which allows the state to intervene early, improving the graduation rates in high school and college;

(d) Identifying teachers, teaching methods and programs that lead to positive student outcomes; and

(e) Encouraging the sharing of electronic data across educational and other entities.

(2) Individual state agencies and state entities will send data from their internal system to the Statewide Longitudinal Data System. These initial agencies and entities shall provide data to the SLDS under the provisions developed by the SLDS Governing Board established in Section 37-154-3 :

(a) Mississippi Department of Education (MDE);

(b) Mississippi Community College Board;

(c) Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL);

(d) State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB);

(e) Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES);

(f) Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS); and

(g) State Early Childhood Advisory Council (SECAC).

Any agencies or entities added to SLDS shall provide a representative to the SLDS Governing Board and be governed in the same manner as the initial agencies and entities.

(3) The system will be based on an existing system currently housed, developed and maintained by the National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center (nSPARC) at Mississippi State University. The initial agencies participating in the SLDS Governing Board and nSPARC have worked collaboratively to secure funding through the United States Department of Education to expand and enhance the capacity of the state's existing technology infrastructure for the purposes of developing the SLDS. The State Data Center, operated by the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS), will provide application hosting services for the SLDS until such time the SLDS Governing Board approves that another entity should perform these services.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-47-53 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 47-53
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-47-53
Status: in_force

All bonds and interim certificates issued under the provisions of this chapter and all interest thereon and income therefrom shall be exempt from all taxation, except gift, transfer, and inheritance taxes.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-91 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 101-91
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-91
Status: in_force

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning is hereby authorized and empowered to contract with and borrow money from the United States of America, or any department, instrumentality, or agency thereof, as may be designated or created to make loans and grants, or from private lenders, at an overall rate of interest to maturity not to exceed that allowed in Section 75-17-103 , for the purpose of acquiring land for, and erecting, repairing, remodeling, maintaining, adding to, extending, improving, equipping, or acquiring dormitories, dwellings, apartments, athletic stadium, gymnasiums, student union buildings, student service centers, athletic fields, swimming pools, parking facilities, cafeterias, dining halls, and/or other revenue producing facilities, to be located at or near the campuses of the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science, Mississippi University for Women, Alcorn State University, University of Southern Mississippi, Delta State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, and Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.

In agreements or commitments by or between the aforesaid board of trustees and private lenders and/or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to make loans or grants for the construction of dormitories in which bonds are to be issued under the provisions of Sections 37-101-91 through 37-101-103 , and in which part or all of the principal and/or interest on said bonds is to be paid or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, said bonds shall bear a net interest rate not in excess of that allowed in Section 75-17-103 .

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, bonds referred to hereinabove may be issued pursuant to the supplemental powers and authorizations conferred by the provisions of the Registered Bond Act, being Sections 31-21-1 through 31-21-7 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-41 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 3 / Section 13-41
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-41
Status: in_force

All principals and/or superintendents of public schools in all school districts in Mississippi shall report to their county superintendent of education upon forms prepared and sent to the county superintendent of education by the director of the division of instruction, giving the type and amount of work done in each grade of their respective school, with other information that may be desired by the director. The county superintendents of education shall compile this information on forms sent out by the director. This shall be made in duplicate, one (1) copy to be sent to the director, and the other filed as other public records are filed in the county superintendents' offices. This report shall be made to the director by the county superintendents of education not later than the first of June each year.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-59-45 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 59-45
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-59-45
Status: in_force

No interest-bearing indebtedness shall hereafter be incurred by any such school district except in the manner provided in this article or as may otherwise be provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-63-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / 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. § 37-7-317 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 7-317
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-317
Status: in_force

The school board of any school district is hereby authorized, in its discretion, to transfer jurisdiction and control of any recreational property or part thereof under its dominion to the governing authorities of any municipality or county in which such property is located, provided, such transfer is temporary and commences not sooner than the day following the last school day of the academic year and ends not later than the day prior to the beginning of the next succeeding academic year. Any such transfer shall be made only with the concurrence of the governing authorities of any such municipality or county, and any agreement therefor shall be on such terms and conditions as said governing authorities and said school board shall provide. Any such agreement may include a provision that while such land is in the possession of said governing authorities, the municipality or the county, as the case may be, shall be liable for the upkeep, maintenance and repair of such property, the cost of which shall be paid out of any funds available to any such municipality or county.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-11 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 153-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-153-11
Status: in_force

(1) There are created workforce development centers to provide assessment, training and placement services to individuals needing retraining, training and upgrading for small business and local industry. Each workforce development center shall be affiliated with a separate public community or junior college district and shall coordinate with the Office of Workforce Development.

(2) Each workforce development center shall be staffed and organized locally by the affiliated community college. The workforce development center shall serve as staff to the affiliated district council.

(3) Each workforce development center, working in concert with its affiliated district council, shall offer and arrange services to accomplish the purposes of this article, including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) For individuals needing training and retraining:

(i) Recruiting, assessing, counseling and referring to training or jobs;

(ii) Preemployment training for those with no experience in the private enterprise system;

(iii) Basic literacy skills training and high school equivalency education;

(iv) Vocational and technical training, full-time or part-time; and

(v) Short-term skills training for educationally and economically disadvantaged adults in cooperation with federally established employment and training programs;

(b) For specific small businesses, industries or firms within the district:

(i) Job analysis, testing and curriculum development;

(ii) Development of specific long-range training plans;

(iii) Industry or firm-related preemployment training;

(iv) Workplace basic skills and literacy training;

(v) Customized skills training;

(vi) Assistance in developing the capacity for total quality management training;

(vii) Technology transfer information and referral services to business of local applications of new research in cooperation with the University Research Center, the state's universities and other laboratories; and

(viii) Development of business plans;

(c) For public schools within the district technical assistance to secondary schools in curriculum coordination, development of tech prep programs, instructional development and resource coordination; and

(d) For economic development, a local forum and resource center for all local industrial development groups to meet and promote regional economic development.

(4) Each workforce development center shall compile and make accessible to the Office of Workforce Development and Mississippi State Workforce Investment Board necessary information for use in evaluating outcomes of its efforts and in improving the quality of programs at each community college, and shall include information on literacy initiatives. Each workforce development center shall, through an interagency management information system, maintain records on new small businesses, placement, length of time on the job after placement and wage rates of those placed in a form containing such information as established by the state council.

(5) The Mississippi Community College Board is authorized to designate one or more workforce development centers at the request of affiliated community or junior colleges to provide skills training to individuals to enhance their ability to be employed in the motion picture industry in this state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-55 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 33-55
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-55
Status: in_force

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind established by Section 37-33-153 shall be administered by the director under supervision of the executive director and the state board, in conformity with federal policies adopted by the department. The director shall be selected by the executive director in accordance with established personnel standards and on the basis of his or her education, training, experience and administrative ability. The director shall devote his or her full time to the administration of vocational rehabilitation. In carrying out his or her duties under the Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind Law, the director:

(a) Shall, with the approval of the executive director, make regulations in conformity with the most recent amendment of the federal Rehabilitation Act and its associated regulations governing the protection of records and confidential information, the manner and form of filing applications, eligibility and investigations and determinations thereof for vocational rehabilitation services, procedures for fair hearings, and such other regulations as are found necessary to carry out the purposes of that law;

(b) Shall, with the approval of the executive director, establish appropriate subordinate administrative units within the office for providing vocational rehabilitation, independent living, supported employment, rehabilitation engineering and other services to children, adolescents and adults under federal and state regulatory guidelines;

(c) Shall, with the approval of the executive director, recommend for appointment of such personnel as may be necessary for the efficient performance of the functions of the office;

(d) Shall prepare and submit to the state board through the executive director annual reports of activities and expenditures and, before each regular session of the Legislature, shall submit estimates of sums required for carrying out the Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind Law and estimates of the amounts to be made available for this purpose from all sources;

(e) Shall, if the executive director so authorizes, make certifications on behalf of the executive director for the disbursement of funds available for vocational rehabilitation for individuals who are blind;

(f) Shall, with the approval of the executive director and the state board, take such other action as he or she deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind Law;

(g) May, with the approval of the executive director and the state board, delegate to any officer or employee of the office such of his or her powers and duties, except the making of regulations and the making of recommendations for appointment of personnel, as he or she finds necessary to carry out the purposes of the Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind Law;

(h) Shall, with the approval of the executive director and the state board, appoint committees to serve as the governing authority for independent living centers or other entities as required by federal law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-103-21 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 103-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-103-21
Status: in_force

A military person on active duty stationed in Mississippi who wishes to avail himself or his dependents of the provisions of Section 37-103-17 , must submit a certificate from his military organization showing the name of the military member; the name of the dependent, if for a dependent; the name of the organization of assignment and its address (may be in the letterhead); that the military member will be on active duty stationed in Mississippi on the date of registration at the state-supported institution of higher learning or junior college of the State of Mississippi; that the military member is not on transfer orders; and the signature of the commanding officer, the adjutant, or the personnel officer of the unit of assignment with signer's rank and title. A military certificate must be presented to the registrar of the state-supported institution of higher learning or junior college of the State of Mississippi each semester or tri-semester at (or within ten days prior to) registration each semester for the provisions of said section to be effective.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-185 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 101-185
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-101-185
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning is hereby authorized to cooperate with the state building commission, in the discretion of both agencies, in the employment of technical and professional personnel for supervising the planning and constructing or repairs of physical plant facilities located on the campuses of the several institutions of higher learning. Upon determination by the state building commission as to the proportionate amount due from the board of trustees for salaries and other expenses of such employees, said board is authorized and empowered to pay over to the state building commission such sums from funds available to the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning for such purposes.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-127-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 127-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-127-1
Status: in_force

A body politic and corporate is hereby created by the name of the “Mississippi Valley State College” 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 break or change the same, and to adopt bylaws, rules and regulations for the government of its members, official agents, and employees. However, the name of said “Mississippi Valley State College” is hereafter changed to “Mississippi Valley State University,” without interference with the rights, powers and prerogatives of said college which continue in all respects. Whenever the name “Mississippi Valley State College” appears, the same is construed to denote “Mississippi Valley State University.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-571 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 29-571
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-571
Status: in_force

All counties located within the Coahoma Community College District shall allocate fifty percent (50%) of any millage levied for the support and maintenance of community colleges by such county under Section 37-29-141, Mississippi Code of 1972 , to the Coahoma Community College District and the remaining fifty percent (50%) of such millage to the other community college district in which such county is located. Provided, however, that Coahoma County shall allocate one hundred percent (100%) of the millage levied for the support and maintenance of community colleges to the Coahoma Community College District. Provided further, however, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1995, Tunica County's allocation of any millage shall be prorated with thirty-five percent (35%) being allocated to the Coahoma Community College District and the remaining sixty-five percent (65%) being allocated to the Northwest Community College District. From and after July 1, 1996, the Tunica County millage shall be divided equally between the Coahoma Community College District and the Northwest Community College District.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-145-55 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 145-55
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-145-55
Status: in_force

The bonds may be secured by an indenture by and between the company and a corporate trustee which may be any bank or other corporation having the power of a trust company or any trust company within or without this state. Such indenture may contain such provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the bondholders as may be reasonable and proper and not in violation of law, including covenants setting forth the duties of the company in relation to the exercise of its powers.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-140-15 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 140-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-140-15
Status: in_force

(1) The State Board of Education may enter into agreements with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra for providing classical music educational services to students in Grades Kindergarten through 12 at the Mississippi School of the Arts or at any other public school facility in Mississippi, subject to specific appropriation therefor by the Legislature. Such educational services shall include: (a) music history, music instrument, and music performance instruction in the classroom; (b) symphony concerts for the students, programmed to support and enhance the teaching of history, literature and science; (c) chamber ensemble and chamber orchestra performances where members serve as educators as well as performers; (d) organizing and developing student performing ensembles, where members serve as music instrument instructors, conductors and performers; (e) symphony concerts for students, parents and other residents to enhance the position of the school as center of the local community; and (f) other services to be determined by agreement.

(2) The State Board of Education is encouraged to enter into contractual agreements with professional arts organizations, including the Mississippi Museum of Art, New Stage Theatre and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, for providing instruction, concerts, exhibits, performances and other outreach programs at the Mississippi School of the Arts or at any other public school facility in Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-63-3 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / Section 63-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-63-3
Status: in_force

The Authority for Educational Television shall consist of the State Superintendent of Public Education, or his designee, and six (6) members appointed, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Governor shall appoint four (4) members, one (1) of whom shall be actively engaged as a teacher or principal in a secondary school system in the State of Mississippi and one (1) of whom shall be actively engaged as a teacher or principal in an elementary school system in the State of Mississippi. Beginning July 1, 1994, the appointee actively engaged as a teacher or principal in a secondary school shall be appointed for an initial term of three (3) years. The member actively engaged as a teacher or principal in an elementary school shall be appointed for an initial term of four (4) years. The remaining two (2) gubernatorial appointees shall serve until July 1, 1996. Beginning July 1, 1996, the Governor shall appoint two (2) members for initial terms of three (3) and four (4) years, with the Governor specifically designating which member shall be appointed for three (3) years and which shall be appointed for four (4) years. The Mississippi Community College Board shall appoint one (1) member, and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning shall appoint one (1) member. After the expiration of the initial terms, all members shall serve for terms of four (4) years. An appointment to fill a vacancy among the gubernatorial appointees, other than by expiration of a term of office, shall be made by the Governor for the balance of the unexpired term.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-421 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 29-421
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-29-421
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College District is charged with the responsibility for providing pre-professional 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. § 37-69-5 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 69-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-69-5
Status: in_force

For purposes of this chapter:

(a) “ The Board of Trustees ” means the Board of Trustees of the Vicksburg-Warren School District.

(b) “ The Board of Education ” means the Claiborne County Board of Education.

(c) “ Nuclear Facility ” means any nuclear generating plant in the State of Mississippi.

(d) “ Energy Academy ” means an energy high school created under this chapter.

(e) “ Partnership Council ” means the Energy High School Academy Partnership Council.

(f) “ MDA ” means the Mississippi Development Authority.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-131-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 14 / Section 131-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-131-1
Status: in_force

The president or executive head of any state-supported institution of higher learning of the State of Mississippi, subject to the approval of the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning, is hereby authorized and empowered to establish, operate, maintain, and conduct teachers demonstration and practice schools in connection with the operation of such institution of higher learning. The president or executive head of any such institution, subject to the approval of the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning, shall have full power and authority to regulate and conduct the affairs of such schools and to establish rules and regulations for their government.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-207 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 13-207
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-207
Status: in_force

(1) The State Department of Education is authorized and directed to implement K-12 computer science curriculum based on the 2018 Mississippi College and Career-Readiness Standards for computer science, which includes instruction in, but not limited to:

(a) Computational thinking;

(b) Problem solving;

(c) Programming;

(d) Cyber security;

(e) Data science;

(f) Robotics;

(g) Artificial intelligence and machine learning; and

(h) Other computer science and cyber-related content.

(2) The State Department of Education shall work with the Center for Cyber Education at Mississippi State University to identify and develop K-12 computer science curriculum and delivery options.

(3) Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year:

(a) Each local school district shall provide that all middle schools in its school system offer instruction in foundations of computer science;

(b) Each local school district shall provide that fifty percent (50%) of elementary schools in its school system offer a minimum of one (1) hour of instruction in computer science each week;

(c) Each charter school that serves middle or high school students shall offer a course in computer science; and

(d) Each charter school that serves elementary school students shall offer instruction in computer science.

(4) Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year:

(a) Each local school district shall provide that at least fifty percent (50%) of the high schools in its school system offer a course in computer science;

(b) Each local school district shall provide that all elementary schools in its school system offer a minimum of one (1) hour of instruction in exploratory computer science each week.

(5) Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, each local school district shall provide that all schools in its school system offer instruction in computer science.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-61 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 113-61
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-61
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “ Extension service ” means the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

(b) “ Fiscal year ” means the period beginning on July 1 of any year and ending on June 30 of the following year.

(c) “ Therapeutic riding ” means the use of equine-facilitated activities for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of people with disabilities.

(2) There is established a program of state certification for therapeutic riding instructors in Mississippi, which shall be administered by the Mississippi State University Extension Service. In order to receive certification under the state program, a therapeutic riding instructor must complete the training provided by the extension service, which shall address standards of safety for participants, volunteers, staff, equipment, facilities and horses, and standards of health care for horses. The extension service shall provide, or facilitate through contracts with third parties, the training necessary to obtain certification.

(3) Initial and renewal certification under the state program will be valid for one (1) fiscal year. The initial certification will be valid for the fiscal year in which it is obtained. In order to renew the certification for later fiscal years, the instructor must attend, in each fiscal year, a continuing education seminar that is provided by or approved by the extension service.

(4) The extension service may charge reasonable fees for providing training, initial certification, and continuing education seminars.

(5) The state certification program is a program to identify and recognize those therapeutic riding instructors who have completed training in safety standards in therapeutic riding. The state certification program is not a regulatory program, and the extension service shall not have any regulatory authority over therapeutic riding instructors, facilities or programs in Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-61 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 5 / Section 115-61
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-115-61
Status: in_force

Any county of this state now or hereafter having a population of more than 100,000 according to the latest available census, acting by and through its board of supervisors, is hereby authorized and empowered to contribute the sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000.00) toward the construction, erection and equipping of a teaching hospital and related facilities in the four year school of medicine of the University of Mississippi created and authorized by the terms and provisions of Sections 37-115-21 through 37-115-33 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-433 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 6 / 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. § 37-104-1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 104-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-104-1
Status: in_force

This chapter may be cited as the “Mississippi Educational Facilities Authority Act for Private, Nonprofit Institutions of Higher Learning.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-193 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 23-193
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-193
Status: in_force

For purposes of Sections 37-23-191 through 37-23-203 , the following terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Blind student ” means an individual who is eligible for special education services or 504 services and who has an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects the student's educational performance. This includes a student who:

(i) Has a visual acuity of 20 / 200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses or has a limited field of vision such that the widest diameter subtends an angular distance of less than twenty-one (21) degrees;

(ii) Has a medically indicated expectation of visual deterioration; or

(iii) Is functionally blind due to visual problems affecting reading and writing skills.

(b) “ Braille ” means the system of reading and writing through touch and includes literary code, designated commonly as the Unified English Braille Code or the Standard English Braille Code, Nemeth Braille Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, Music Braille Code and Computer Braille Code.

(c) “ Individualized educational program ” (IEP) means a statement developed for a student eligible for special education services under Section 602(a)(20) of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(d) “ Assistive technology service ” means any service or provision of devices which directly assists the functional capabilities of a blind or visually impaired student.

(e) “ Compensatory skills ” or “ alternative techniques ” means those skills or techniques needed by blind or visually impaired students to access all areas of the Mississippi Curriculum Frameworks. These skills include, but are not limited to: the use of Braille, large print, optical devices, tactile symbols, calendar systems and abacus; study and organizational skills; listening skills; concept development; the use of assistive technology and recorded materials; social interaction; independent living; recreation and leisure skills; and career education.

(f) “ 504 Plan ” means a legal document under the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which is designed to plan a program of instructional services to assist a student with specialized needs who is in a general education setting.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-25-27 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 11 / Section 25-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-25-27
Status: in_force

Funds expended under authority of this chapter shall be paid by the state treasurer out of the driver training penalty assessment fund or other funds used in administering this chapter, upon warrants issued by the state auditor of public accounts. The said auditor shall issue his warrant upon requisition signed by the proper person, officer or officers in the manner provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-33 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 11-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-33
Status: in_force

The office or law enforcement department or agency or the justice court judge or the clerk of the circuit court making such reports as are required pursuant to the provisions of Section 37-11-29(2) , shall receive the sum of One Dollar ($1.00) for each such report made, which sum shall be paid from the general fund by the town, city, or county where such report or reports are made, upon proper bill being submitted therefor supported by certificate or affidavit that such reports have been made.

All such reports shall be preserved by each recipient thereof and a copy retained in the office or law enforcement department or agency, state, county or municipal, and in the office of any justice of the peace or circuit clerk, as the case may be, who or which made such report or reports.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-49 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 113-49
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-113-49
Status: in_force

If any such county makes the contribution or donation as provided for in Section 37-113-43 , neither such donation nor any provisions of Sections 37-113-43 through 37-113-49 shall be held to give rise to any right of title, lien, encumbrance or other right in the buildings, facilities or equipment so constructed or acquired and installed by means of or with the aid of such contribution or donation or upon the site on which they are located. Neither shall such donation nor any provision of said sections give rise to any right or obligation on the part of such county with respect to the operation or maintenance of said educational facilities and equipment.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-205 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 9 / Section 13-205
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-205
Status: in_force

As used in Sections 37-13-201 through 37-13-213 , the following terms shall have the meaning ascribed in this section:

(a) “ Computer science ” means the study of computers, algorithmic processes, coding, and logical thinking, including computer principles, their hardware and software designs, their implementation and their impact on society.

(b) “ Computer science courses ” means high school and middle school courses that teach computer science as stand-alone implementations; and elementary curriculum that provides instruction in computer science as stand-alone implementations or embedded in other subjects and focuses on how to create and understand technology, rather than simply using technology.

(c) “ Offer ” means providing instruction with appropriately endorsed teachers, for any computer science course which awards a Carnegie unit. At the elementary level, instruction may be offered by a licensed teacher or paraprofessional who is under the guidance or supervision of a licensed teacher, and who has received training for computer science instruction approved by the State Department of Education:

(i) Who is onsite at the physical location of the school; or

(ii) Who is not onsite at the physical location of the school but conducts the course through virtual means with a proctor onsite at the physical location of the school.

(d) “ Paraprofessional ” consists of school employees who support instructional delivery and are deemed to be qualified and have received the professional learning opportunities to perform the job functions associated with providing instruction.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-18-5 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 18-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-18-5
Status: in_force

(1) Based on the findings of the evaluation report and the results of the public meeting, the State Department of Education and the evaluation team leader shall assist the school principal and other local school officials in the development of a school improvement plan to improve its deficiencies.

(2) The school improvement plan shall be developed and approved by the principal of the School At-Risk, the superintendent of the local school district, the local school board and a majority of the teachers of the school, within a time period to be determined by the evaluation team. If the plan is not approved, the State Board of Education may approve and implement the plan in the school.

(3) The State Department of Education shall provide technical assistance and shall assist in identifying funding to the School At-Risk in the implementation of the school improvement plan, including the implementation of any recommended professional development plan, and the department may contract with the institutions of higher learning to provide such technical assistance. The assistance team shall collaborate with school and school district employees in the implementation and monitoring of the school improvement plan and the State Department of Education shall ensure that a report is issued monthly to the local school board and the local community-based advisory council.

(4) A school district that has been designated as failing as defined by the State Board of Education or a district with a School At-Risk shall also establish a community-based prekindergarten through higher education council comprised of a broad spectrum of the community, including economic developers, elected officials, civic leaders, business leaders, faith-based leaders, social services, nonprofit organizations, school attendance officers, law enforcement officials, health department officials, day care providers, librarians, parents and others with the knowledge and resources that can be leveraged to build strong communities. The State Board of Education shall develop procedures for appointments to the council, which shall not be appointed solely by the school board. The council will serve as a community-led group that is inclusive, accountable and required to publicly report progress to the community as a whole.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-131 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 33-131
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-33-131
Status: in_force

(1) The Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, on behalf of the State Department of Rehabilitation Services, may make grants to assist cities, counties, nonprofit corporations and state-supported institutions, or any combination thereof in the establishment, operation and expansion of community rehabilitation programs. The director may accept federal grants or aids on behalf of the State Department of Rehabilitation Services and shall cooperate with federal agencies in any reasonable manner necessary to qualify for those federal grants or aids for community rehabilitation programs.

(2) At the beginning of each fiscal year, the director shall allocate funds, as available for this program, to community rehabilitation programs for disbursement during the fiscal year in accordance with their approved plans or budgets. The director shall from time to time during the fiscal year review the budgets and expenditures of the various programs.

(3) The Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, with the approval of the Executive Director of the State Department of Rehabilitation Services, shall have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations in regard to the following matters:

(a) State certification of all community rehabilitation programs;

(b) Eligibility of community rehabilitation programs to receive state grants or be designated as a qualified provider of community rehabilitation program services;

(c) Standards for qualification of personnel, salary schedule, quality of professional service, in-service training and educational leave programs for personnel;

(d) Regulatory fees for consultation services;

(e) Standards as to types and kinds of severely disabled individuals eligible for those services; and

(f) Such other rules and regulations as he or she deems necessary to carry out the purposes of Sections 37-33-121 through 37-33-131 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-121-9 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 4 / Section 121-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-121-9
Status: in_force

The Marks Vegetable Processing Facility located at 1300 Killebrew Road in Marks, Mississippi, and operated by Alcorn State University, shall be named the Clayton P. Henderson Vegetable Processing Facility. Alcorn State University shall prepare a distinctive plaque to be placed in a prominent place within the Clayton P. Henderson Vegetable Processing Facility, which states the background, accomplishments and service to the state of the Honorable Clayton P. Henderson.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-51 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 1 / Section 27-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-27-51
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of any agricultural high school or the board of trustees of any junior college, in connection with which an agricultural high school is operated, and the board of trustees of any school district, or a county board of education, under the conditions hereinafter provided for, are hereby authorized and empowered to enter into agreements, one with the other, providing for the attendance of any high school pupils of such school district or any grades thereof, at such agricultural high school or junior college, and for the instruction of such high school pupils or grades at such agricultural high school or junior college. Subject to the provisions of Sections 37-27-53 through 37-27-59 , all such contracts so executed shall be upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by and between the boards of trustees or the county board of education involved. All such contracts shall be subject to the approval of the state educational finance commission.

Any parent or guardian of such high school pupil or pupils, as to an individual pupil or as to any grade or grades, may request in writing that such agreement be entered into with the board of trustees of said agricultural high school or board of trustees of any junior college in connection with which an agricultural high school is operated. Such request shall be filed or lodged with the president or secretary of the board of trustees of such school district. Said board of trustees of said school district shall no later than the date of its next regular meeting approve or disapprove the request therein made to provide for the attendance of the pupil or pupils, or grade or grades, at such agricultural high school; failure of said board of trustees of such school district to act upon said request not later than said date shall be and will constitute a disapproval or rejection thereof.

In the event such board of trustees of said school district shall either disapprove or reject said request, or fail to act thereon on or before said date, then and in that event the county board of education is hereby authorized to act upon such request not later than the next regular meeting date of the said county board of education after the filing or lodging by such parent or guardian of a true copy of the request theretofore filed or lodged with the said board of trustees of the said school district, with the president or secretary of the said county board of education, and with said copy shall be filed or lodged a written statement of the action, if any, or non-action, taken by the board of trustees of the said school district upon the request made to it. If such request be approved by the county board of education, then it may proceed to enter into such agreement with the board of trustees of said agricultural high school or the said board of trustees of said junior college, but subject to the approval of the state educational finance commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-41-81 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 13 / Section 41-81
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-41-81
Status: in_force

The local school boards of this state are hereby authorized and empowered to purchase, own and operate, under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the State Board of Education, motor vehicles, electric vehicles and other equipment for the transportation of children to and from the public schools of the respective counties and school districts, and to provide for the servicing, repair, care and maintenance of such county or district-owned motor vehicles and to employ drivers for the operation thereof, and to establish, erect and equip school bus shops or garages, and purchase land therefor, all under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the State Board of Education.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-134.1 — MS Code / Title 37 / Chapter 12 / Section 13-134.1
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-134.1
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to available funding, the State Department of Education, in consultation with the State Department of Health, shall establish the school health grant pilot program to improve student health by assisting local school districts in implementing a school health program. In order to qualify for a school health grant, a school district shall submit a detailed implementation plan, developed in accordance with the guidelines for a school health program developed by the State Department of Education, and including the following components:

(a) A dedicated school health coordinator and technical and administrative support for collection of data and program evaluation.

(b) A description of how the school district currently addresses physical activity, nutrition, and other obesity prevention measures.

(c) A description of how the school district would use the state grant to augment what it is currently doing, including defining priorities based on the students' health need and meeting education performance indicators, developing an action plan for addressing those needs based on realistic goals and measurable objectives, establishing a timeline for implementation, and developing and maintaining a system to evaluate progress and outcomes for the program.

(d) All school districts receiving grants will report annually to the State Department of Education progress towards the achievement of state education performance indicators and standards and requirements relating to physical activity and nutrition.

(2) The amount in the school health grant pilot program shall be limited to the amount appropriated and shall be available to school districts based on the guidelines developed by the State Department of Education.

(3) Any grants made to school district shall be expended to supplement and not supplant any funds already expended as school health programs. For this purpose, expenditures of components enumerated in subsection (2) of this section for the current fiscal year shall be considered the base expenditure on school health and any school district receiving grant funds shall maintain this base.

(4) There is created in the State Treasury a fund into which any public or private funds from any source shall be deposited for the support of the activities of coordinated school health grant pilot program.

(5) State grants are only for coordination and improvement of school health programs to improve student health in accordance with the detailed plan submitted in accordance with subsection (2) of this section.

(6) The State Department of Education and the State Department of Health shall coordinate existing school health programs, grants and initiatives. To the extent possible, existing contracts and waiver requirements and funding, including Medicaid funding, shall also be coordinated.

(7) The use of grant funds shall be subject to audit by the Office of the State Auditor.