NEWS

February 09, 2010
For more information contact: Mick Bullock

JACKSON – Currently Mississippi law doesn't allow public charter schools, but legislation to create a Mississippi Charter School Act cleared its first hurdle today. The Senate approved the measure 29 to 14, providing the possibility for choice in public education.

“Mississippi is lagging behind in opportunities afforded by public charter schools,” said Lt. Governor Phil Bryant. “Under the current law we are losing to other states for federal funding that would go directly to the classroom. It is time Mississippi brings choice to public education. Personally, I believe competition is an innovative way of introducing new ideas to the classroom. I have traveled to West Helena, Arkansas, and New Orleans, Louisiana, and have seen firsthand the amazing results charter schools have on the child and community. If public charter schools give a child yet another opportunity to succeed, we all will be better in Mississippi.”

Senate Bill 2293 provides for two types of public charter schools in Mississippi, conversion and open enrollment. A conversion charter school is a public school that converts to operate under a charter granted by the State Board of Education. Open enrollment is a public school operating by either the State Board of Education or a local school board that may draw students from across school district lines.

This legislation provides for mechanism of both varieties of charter schools created by the law. SB 2293 also addresses transportation issues and accountability measures, and it extends the repealer on public charter school law until 2020.

SB 2293 further makes Mississippi eligible for additional federal education funding known as the “Race to the Top” challenge. The federal education challenge provides grant monies to states pushing education reform and improving low performing schools. According to federal education guidelines, the challenge is based on a 500 point scale with charter schools being worth 40. Under the current administration, charter schools are a major emphasis in education reform.

The principal author and backer of charter school legislation, Senator Michael Watson (R-Pascagoula), noted that today’s passage of SB 2293 provides yet another avenue for student achievement. “I believe the flexibility, ultimate accountability and results that come with strong public charter schools are just what our education system needs to start climbing to the top. We have proven that a one-size fits all education system does not work.”

SB 2293 also states:

• A conversion charter school receives state and local funds in the same manner as other public schools in the district.
• An open-enrollment public charter school receives only state funds based upon the per pupil expenditure amount average of the past 2 years. Open-enrollment public charter schools are not eligible for local ad valorem taxes.
• Charter schools shall not levy taxes or issue bonds.
• Charter schools are authorized to provide virtual services.
• Employees of a conversion charter school and employees of an open-enrollment public charter school are considered employees of the charter school.
• If a charter is revoked for any reason, the teachers of that charter school are given priority in being rehired by the local school district.
• Local school districts are prohibited from taking any retaliatory action against teachers for involvement in a public charter school.

SB 2293 now heads to the Mississippi House of Representatives for consideration.

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About Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant

Phil Bryant was sworn-in as Mississippi’s Lieutenant Governor on January 10, 2008 after capturing 59% of the vote in the November election. He started his career in public service as a Hinds County Deputy Sheriff and was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives from District 59 in Rankin County in 1992 and re-elected in 1995. Bryant was appointed State Auditor by the late Governor Kirk Fordice and re-elected overwhelmingly in 1999 and without opposition in 2003.