MSBA Legislative Program

MSBA is the advoocacy wing of Mississippi school boards at the State and Federal levels and assists school districts with their grassroots efforts at the local level. 

MISSION
To ensure that first and foremost the legislature adequately funds K-12 public education. Second, to ensure that the legislature enacts laws that support and do not hinder the efforts of public schools to provide a high quality education for every Mississippi child.

MSBA WILL
Work with legislators in an attempt to accomplish the above mission,  Recommend to its membership that its legislative program center on  four primary issues as identified through a survey of its membership, and Implement a legislative network concentrating on linking local school board members with their legislators in an effort to share the needs of the local school district(s) and to increase awareness of how legislation could impact the district(s).   

 

2025 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES   

As determined by the Membership at the 2024 MSBA Delegate Assembly

1. Legislation providing incentives to people majoring in education and/or people seeking an alternative route license.
2. Legislation creating a structured, statewide approach to quality early childhood education.
3. Legislation requiring each local school board to formally adopt a code of conduct for board members.
4. Legislation addressing school board member misconduct. 

 

2025 ASSOCIATION POSITIONS

SUPPORT

1. Legislation allowing for salary supplements for experienced teachers willing to relocate to F-rated school districts.
2. Legislation that would eliminate the requirement of passing an end-of-course test to graduate.
3. Legislation that would shift the control of student attendance officers from the Mississippi Department of Education to local school districts.

OPPOSE

1. Legislation allowing public funds to be diverted from public schools to nonpublic, home, or virtual schools by means of vouchers, tuition tax credits, or scholarships.
2. Legislation that would allow open enrollment for students to attend the school of their choice regardless of residency.
3. Legislation requiring all school board members to be elected at the same time.
4. Legislation restricting local control of school boards.
5. Legislation allowing public charter schools in districts with successful accountability ratings of A, B, or C.
6. Legislation that would provide financial incentives to consolidate schools.

 

MSBA Legislative Report

MSBA keeps our members informed about legislative activities during each legislative session and throughout the year. 

During the Legislative session, the MSBA team attends House and Senate committee meetings and analyzes bills that impact K-12 education. MSBA staff also meets with state legislators, the congressional delegation in Washington, and other educational groups to cultivate relationships and influence legislation. 

Through the weekly email newsletter, the Legislative Report, and the annual Legislative Update and School Law Review Conference, MSBA provides members with updates and vital information on legislative education matters.