Archived Web News Postings From
The Parents' Campaign
2010
Mississippi Legislature Convenes
posted 01/05/10
The Mississippi Legislature convened its 2010 regular session at noon on January 5, 2010, at the State Capitol. Legislators will face an unusually difficult task as they attempt to craft a state budget with significantly reduced revenue. It is likely that, in the first weeks of the session, legislators will have to decide whether and how to deal with lower than expected revenues for the current budget year. The governor has indicated that he will request authority to make cuts beyond those currently allowed in statute.
posted 01/05/10
The Mississippi Legislature convened its 2010 regular session at noon on January 5, 2010, at the State Capitol. Legislators will face an unusually difficult task as they attempt to craft a state budget with significantly reduced revenue. It is likely that, in the first weeks of the session, legislators will have to decide whether and how to deal with lower than expected revenues for the current budget year. The governor has indicated that he will request authority to make cuts beyond those currently allowed in statute.
Dr. Tom Burnham Takes the Helm at MDE
posted 01/06/10
Dr. Tom Burnham has officially begun his second term as State Superintendent of Education. Though he has been hard at work since being appointed to the post more than a month ago, he officially began work this week. The Parents’ Campaign welcomes him and we look forward to working with him to ensure that all Mississippi children have access to excellent schools. We are grateful, too, for the service of Dr. John Jordan who has served as Interim State Superintendent since July. Click here to read a column authored by Dr. Burnham that addresses the future of education in Mississippi.
posted 01/06/10
Dr. Tom Burnham has officially begun his second term as State Superintendent of Education. Though he has been hard at work since being appointed to the post more than a month ago, he officially began work this week. The Parents’ Campaign welcomes him and we look forward to working with him to ensure that all Mississippi children have access to excellent schools. We are grateful, too, for the service of Dr. John Jordan who has served as Interim State Superintendent since July. Click here to read a column authored by Dr. Burnham that addresses the future of education in Mississippi.
Mississippi Standards & Assessments Gets a Good Grade
posted 1/18/10
Education Week has released its Quality Counts , Mississippi received a D- for our Quality Counts Standards and Assessments grade. This year, our new, more stringent accountability system has earned us a B+ in that same category - the same rating received by North Carolina, a state often recognized for its school reform successes. While we still lag other states in many areas, our B+ in Standards and Assessments, and a ranking of 24th among all states in that category, should be a source of pride and hope. We are moving in the right direction!
Governor Requests More Cuts Authority in State of the State Address
posted 1/18/10
Governor Barbour, in his annual State of the State address, reiterated his desire for the Legislature to grant him additional authority to make cuts to the current-year budget. He is requesting authority to make cuts, at his discretion, up to 10% of state agencies' budgets. Current law allows him discretion in making cuts up to 5% of agency budgets when revenues come in at least 2% below projections. For a number of reasons, The Parents' Campaign believes that the governor should not be granted budget authority beyond what is already provided in statute. Read more.
House Passes Budget Cuts Compromise Bill
posted 1/19/10
The House of Representatives has passed House Bill 392, a good alternative to Governor Barbour's request for additional budget cuts authority See Vote. The bill allows the governor to exempt from cuts the Department of Corrections, the National Board Certified Teacher supplement, the Ayers settlement, the Veteran's Affairs Board (nursing homes), the Chickasaw Cession, debt service, and the courts. It also requires that the governor use $61-million in available stimulus funds and $50-million from the state Rainy Day Fund before making further cuts. According to House Education Chairman Cecil Brown, the measures in this bill would leave only $13-million in cuts necessary to balance the budget. There is $48-million in cuts that can still be made before all agencies reach the 5% threshold (which education has already reached). Therefore, under this plan, no additional cuts would need to be made to the education budget. See Law on Budget Cuts The bill has now gone to the Senate where we are hopeful it will pass.
Senate Debates HB392
posted 1/20/10
The Senate Appropriations Committee brought up for debate today HB392. They heard a great deal of testimony but did not vote. The committee will likely bring it up for debate again tomorrow afternoon (Thursday). Read details of debate.
posted 1/20/10
The Senate Appropriations Committee brought up for debate today HB392. They heard a great deal of testimony but did not vote. The committee will likely bring it up for debate again tomorrow afternoon (Thursday). Read details of debate.
Senate Education Committee Tables Bill
posted 1/21/10
The Senate Education Committee today tabled a bill that would have placed a moratorium on National Board Certified Teacher supplements for teachers beginning the certification process after June 30, 2010. The bill protected supplements for those who were already certified or who had begun the certification process by June 30, 2010. After vigorous debate, the committee voted to table the bill, effectively killing it.
posted 1/21/10
The Senate Education Committee today tabled a bill that would have placed a moratorium on National Board Certified Teacher supplements for teachers beginning the certification process after June 30, 2010. The bill protected supplements for those who were already certified or who had begun the certification process by June 30, 2010. After vigorous debate, the committee voted to table the bill, effectively killing it.
No Senate Action Yet on HB392
posted 1/21/10
The Senate Appropriations Committee took no action today on HB392, leaving additional time for concerned citizens to contact their senators but less time for state agencies to absorb additional cuts. We are urging the Senate to move quickly to pass compromise legislation that minimizes cuts to public education. The House of Representatives moved expeditiously to pass a reasonable alternative to the governor’s request for additional cuts authority, and we are asking the Senate to respond quickly as well. As Governor Barbour has said, time is of the essence. Read details of debate.
posted 1/21/10
The Senate Appropriations Committee took no action today on HB392, leaving additional time for concerned citizens to contact their senators but less time for state agencies to absorb additional cuts. We are urging the Senate to move quickly to pass compromise legislation that minimizes cuts to public education. The House of Representatives moved expeditiously to pass a reasonable alternative to the governor’s request for additional cuts authority, and we are asking the Senate to respond quickly as well. As Governor Barbour has said, time is of the essence. Read details of debate.
Governor Announces More Education Cuts
posted 1/22/10
Governor Barbour announced today that he is making additional across-the-board cuts to the current-year budget, including an additional 3.193%, or $77,238,979 K-12 education for this school year. This brings the total K-12 education cut to this year's budget to 8.193%, or $193,490,566, a reduction in funds that will be devastating to many districts. All areas of education are included in this cut, including an 8.193% cut to National Board Certified Teacher supplements. The governor has required the Mississippi Department of Education to make up the cut to the Chickasaw Cession from the department's budget. TPC members should watch their email inboxes for important announcements. Read more. See State Superintendent Dr. Tom Burnham's Statement on Budget Cuts.
posted 1/22/10
Governor Barbour announced today that he is making additional across-the-board cuts to the current-year budget, including an additional 3.193%, or $77,238,979 K-12 education for this school year. This brings the total K-12 education cut to this year's budget to 8.193%, or $193,490,566, a reduction in funds that will be devastating to many districts. All areas of education are included in this cut, including an 8.193% cut to National Board Certified Teacher supplements. The governor has required the Mississippi Department of Education to make up the cut to the Chickasaw Cession from the department's budget. TPC members should watch their email inboxes for important announcements. Read more. See State Superintendent Dr. Tom Burnham's Statement on Budget Cuts.
House Appropriations Committee Works to Restore Cuts
posted 1/25/10
The House Appropriations Committee passed a strike-all amendment to SB2495 today to take $50-million from the Working Cash-Stabilization Reserve Fund (Rainy Day) and $50-million from the Health Care Expendable Fund to restore some of the cuts made to various agencies. $43,395,587 is designated for K-12 Education. Of that amount, $40,404,594 would be used to restore a portion of the cuts made to MAEP and $1,925,454 to fully restore the National Board Certified Teacher supplement. The strike-all amendment passed overwhelmingly on a roll call vote. The bill will go to the House floor for consideration and is expected to be taken up on Tuesday afternoon.
posted 1/25/10
The House Appropriations Committee passed a strike-all amendment to SB2495 today to take $50-million from the Working Cash-Stabilization Reserve Fund (Rainy Day) and $50-million from the Health Care Expendable Fund to restore some of the cuts made to various agencies. $43,395,587 is designated for K-12 Education. Of that amount, $40,404,594 would be used to restore a portion of the cuts made to MAEP and $1,925,454 to fully restore the National Board Certified Teacher supplement. The strike-all amendment passed overwhelmingly on a roll call vote. The bill will go to the House floor for consideration and is expected to be taken up on Tuesday afternoon.
House Passes Bill to Restore Cuts
posted 1/26/10
The House of Representatives passed this afternoon an amendment to Senate Bill 2495 that uses $50-million from the state Rainy Day Fund and $50-million from the Health Care Expendable Fund to restore a small portion of the cuts that were made to some state agencies. $43.4-million is designated to restore cuts to K-12 education. Of that, $40.4-million of the $169.7-million that has been cut from MAEP would be restored, and the full $1.9-million cut from the National Board Certified Teacher supplement would be restored. See the House vote. The bill will now go to the Senate where we will need your help to get it passed. There are three very important phone calls that we need for you to make. Please call Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant, your senator, and Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee. Ask them to support SB2495 as amended by the House.
Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant: 601-359-3200
Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee: 601-359-3250
Capitol Switchboard Number: 601-359-3770
posted 1/26/10
The House of Representatives passed this afternoon an amendment to Senate Bill 2495 that uses $50-million from the state Rainy Day Fund and $50-million from the Health Care Expendable Fund to restore a small portion of the cuts that were made to some state agencies. $43.4-million is designated to restore cuts to K-12 education. Of that, $40.4-million of the $169.7-million that has been cut from MAEP would be restored, and the full $1.9-million cut from the National Board Certified Teacher supplement would be restored. See the House vote. The bill will now go to the Senate where we will need your help to get it passed. There are three very important phone calls that we need for you to make. Please call Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant, your senator, and Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee. Ask them to support SB2495 as amended by the House.
Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant: 601-359-3200
Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee: 601-359-3250
Capitol Switchboard Number: 601-359-3770
Bill to Restore Cuts will Go to Senate Floor
posted 1/27/10
SB 2495, the bill that the House amended to restore some of the cuts made to education, will not need to go back through the Senate Appropriations Committee. When it is transferred to the Senate, it will go straight to the Senate calendar where we need for Senator Alan Nunnelee the Appropriations Committee, to call it up for concurrence. We still need for you to make those phone calls. Please call Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant, your senator, and Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee. Ask them to concur with SB2495 as amended by the House.
Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant: 601-359-3200
Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee: 601-359-3250
Capitol Switchboard Number: 601-359-3770
posted 1/27/10
SB 2495, the bill that the House amended to restore some of the cuts made to education, will not need to go back through the Senate Appropriations Committee. When it is transferred to the Senate, it will go straight to the Senate calendar where we need for Senator Alan Nunnelee the Appropriations Committee, to call it up for concurrence. We still need for you to make those phone calls. Please call Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant, your senator, and Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee. Ask them to concur with SB2495 as amended by the House.
Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant: 601-359-3200
Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee: 601-359-3250
Capitol Switchboard Number: 601-359-3770
SB2495 Officially Referred to Senate
posted 1/28/10
SB2495, the bill that the House amended to restore some of the cuts made to education, was officially referred from the House to the Senate this morning, so it is now available for Senator Alan Nunnelee, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, to call up for concurrence. It is our hope that he will act with a sense of urgency. If you have not already done so, please urge our Senate leaders to move quickly to protect our education system. Please call Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant, your senator, and Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee. Ask them to concur with SB2495 as amended by the House.
Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant: 601-359-3200
Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee: 601-359-3250
Capitol Switchboard Number: 601-359-3770
posted 1/28/10
SB2495, the bill that the House amended to restore some of the cuts made to education, was officially referred from the House to the Senate this morning, so it is now available for Senator Alan Nunnelee, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, to call up for concurrence. It is our hope that he will act with a sense of urgency. If you have not already done so, please urge our Senate leaders to move quickly to protect our education system. Please call Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant, your senator, and Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee. Ask them to concur with SB2495 as amended by the House.
Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant: 601-359-3200
Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee: 601-359-3250
Capitol Switchboard Number: 601-359-3770
Senate Adjourns Without Taking Up SB2495
posted 1/29/10
The Senate adjourned this morning without taking up any bills, as they were eager to get home ahead of inclement weather. SB2495, the bill that the House amended to restore some of the cuts made to education, will remain on the Senate calendar. We are hopeful that Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee and Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant will work together to get that bill before the full Senate for a vote immediately. Many schools are in a desperate situation due to the recent budget cuts, and they are counting on the leadership of these two gentlemen to get them some relief so that they can avoid further harm to our children’s education.
posted 1/29/10
The Senate adjourned this morning without taking up any bills, as they were eager to get home ahead of inclement weather. SB2495, the bill that the House amended to restore some of the cuts made to education, will remain on the Senate calendar. We are hopeful that Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee and Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant will work together to get that bill before the full Senate for a vote immediately. Many schools are in a desperate situation due to the recent budget cuts, and they are counting on the leadership of these two gentlemen to get them some relief so that they can avoid further harm to our children’s education.
More Work To Do on SB2495
posted 2/1/2010
TPC members' phone calls got SB2495 (the bill that the House of Representatives amended to restore a portion of the education cuts) off of the Senate calendar and onto the Senate floor -- BUT we still have a little more work to do.
Senator Nunnelee, who handled the bill, made amotion not to concur wit the House version and to send the bill to conference (where the amount of funding designated to restore cuts would probably be reduced). A number of Senators spoke passionately against his motion in an effort to get the bill passed as it passed the House. Despite that, Senator Nunnelee's motion passed - just barely - on a 25 to 23 vote. See the Senate vote.
posted 2/1/2010
TPC members' phone calls got SB2495 (the bill that the House of Representatives amended to restore a portion of the education cuts) off of the Senate calendar and onto the Senate floor -- BUT we still have a little more work to do.
Senator Nunnelee, who handled the bill, made amotion not to concur wit the House version and to send the bill to conference (where the amount of funding designated to restore cuts would probably be reduced). A number of Senators spoke passionately against his motion in an effort to get the bill passed as it passed the House. Despite that, Senator Nunnelee's motion passed - just barely - on a 25 to 23 vote. See the Senate vote.
But, Senator Gray Tollison held the bill on a motion to reconsider so we have another chance to get it passed as it passed the House. The Senate will take the bill up again to reconsider the vote. It is likely that Senator Nunnelee will try to prevent another vote on this bill in order to send it on to conference by tabling the motion to reconsider. We need to change only a couple of votes to get the House version passed and protect our schools. If your senator voted in favor of Senator Nunnelee's motion not to concur (see vote ), changing that one vote could be the key! We need for your senator to support a re-vote on SB2495 and to support SB2495 as it passed the House. A couple of motions will be required, and the motions can be made in a variety of ways, but the bottom line is this: please ask your senator to support SB2495 as it passed the House of Representatives. The Senate will reconvene at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday), so please make that call immediately. Ask your friends and family to call, too. Capitol Switchboard Number: 601-359-3770
No Senate Action on SB2495 this Morning
Senate to Reconvene at 5:00 p.m.
posted 2/2/10
The Senate took no action this morning on SB2495 (the bill that the House of Representatives amended to restore a portion of the education cuts). Yesterday the Senate voted 25 to 23 not to concur with the House version and to send the bill to conference. See the Senate vote. However, Senator Gray Tollison held the bill on a motion to reconsider so we have one more chance to get it passed as it passed the House. The Senate will have to take the bill up again to reconsider the vote. The Senate will convene again today at 5:00 p.m. Please continue to watch this page for updates on developments regarding SB2495.
Senate to Reconvene at 5:00 p.m.
posted 2/2/10
The Senate took no action this morning on SB2495 (the bill that the House of Representatives amended to restore a portion of the education cuts). Yesterday the Senate voted 25 to 23 not to concur with the House version and to send the bill to conference. See the Senate vote. However, Senator Gray Tollison held the bill on a motion to reconsider so we have one more chance to get it passed as it passed the House. The Senate will have to take the bill up again to reconsider the vote. The Senate will convene again today at 5:00 p.m. Please continue to watch this page for updates on developments regarding SB2495.
No Senate Action on SB2495 Tuesday
Senate to Reconvene at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday
posted 2/2/10
The Senate took no action Tuesday on SB2495 (the bill that the House of Representatives amended to restore a portion of the education cuts). On Monday, the Senate voted 25 to 23 not to concur with the House version and to send the bill to conference. See the Senate vote However, Senator Gray Tollison held the bill on a motion to reconsider so we have one more chance to get it passed as it passed the House. The Senate will have to take the bill up again to reconsider the vote. The Senate will reconvene Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
Senate Sends SB2495 to Conference
posted 2/3/10
This morning, the Senate again took up SB2495 (the bill that the House of Representatives amended to restore a portion of the education cuts) and voted 26 to 24 not to reconsider their previous vote on the bill. See the Senate vote. This means that the previous vote will stand and the bill will now go to conference. Three members from each chamber will make up the conference committee that will negotiate a compromise, or conference report, on the bill. That conference report will then go to each chamber for a vote. As soon as the conferees are named, we will post their names and contact information.
posted 2/3/10
This morning, the Senate again took up SB2495 (the bill that the House of Representatives amended to restore a portion of the education cuts) and voted 26 to 24 not to reconsider their previous vote on the bill. See the Senate vote. This means that the previous vote will stand and the bill will now go to conference. Three members from each chamber will make up the conference committee that will negotiate a compromise, or conference report, on the bill. That conference report will then go to each chamber for a vote. As soon as the conferees are named, we will post their names and contact information.
Senate Bill Restores $45-million to K-12 Education
posted 2/4/10
This morning, Senator Briggs Hopson proposed an amendment to SB2688 to use $50-million from the Health Care Expendable Fund to restore $45-million of the cuts made to current-year budgets in K-12 education and to restore $5-million to other agencies at the governor’s discretion. The amendment passed on a 32 to 15 vote. See Vote. Senator Nunnelee held the bill on a motion to reconsider to provide an opportunity for senators to work out the details of the bill. The bill will have to be taken up again by the Senate before it can move on to the House. We are hopeful that Senator Hopson’s amendment will stand when the bill is taken up again. Please ask your senator to support Senator Hopson’s amendment restoring $45-million to K-12 education.
posted 2/4/10
This morning, Senator Briggs Hopson proposed an amendment to SB2688 to use $50-million from the Health Care Expendable Fund to restore $45-million of the cuts made to current-year budgets in K-12 education and to restore $5-million to other agencies at the governor’s discretion. The amendment passed on a 32 to 15 vote. See Vote. Senator Nunnelee held the bill on a motion to reconsider to provide an opportunity for senators to work out the details of the bill. The bill will have to be taken up again by the Senate before it can move on to the House. We are hopeful that Senator Hopson’s amendment will stand when the bill is taken up again. Please ask your senator to support Senator Hopson’s amendment restoring $45-million to K-12 education.
Governor Reschedules Press Conference for 2:00 p.m.
posted 2/5/10
This morning, Governor Barbour’s office issued a press release saying that his press conference had been cancelled as he continued to analyze budget options. He later issued a release saying that it had been rescheduled for 2:00 p.m. today.
Senate Kills Hopson Amendment
Restores $28.7-m Instead of $45-m to K-12
posted 2/5/10
Shortly after convening at 9:00 a.m., the Senate again took up SB2688, the bill that was held yesterday by Senator Nunnelee on a motion to reconsider after Senator Hopson’s amendment to restore $45-million of the education cuts was adopted. (Yesterday the Senate voted 32 to 15 to adopt the Hopson amendment. See Vote. Senator Nunnelee’s motion to reconsider forced the Senate to hold that bill for another vote on the amendment.) There were many votes on various motions today, and later I will post here more details of that debate. The bottom line is this: seven Senators who supported the amendment yesterday changed their votes today. This threw the vote on the motion to reconsider into a tie which Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant broke (not in our favor). The lieutenant governor, in essence, voted against adopting the Hopson amendment. See Vote. Ultimately, the Senate passed an amendment that restores $28.7-million to K-12, $16.3-million less than would have been restored through the Hopson amendment. The cuts made to the National Board Certified Teacher supplement prior to today are fully restored in the amendment that passed the Senate, but the amendment does not take into account the cuts made by Governor Barbour this afternoon. See Vote. SB2688 will now go to the House of Representatives where we hope they will move quickly to restore at least $28.7-million of the cuts made to K-12 education.
Governor Barbour Announces More Cuts
posted 2/5/10
posted 2/5/10
This afternoon, Governor Barbour announced a 4th round of budget cuts. K-12 education was cut another $11.2-million, including an additional $110,642 to the National Board Certification Program. K-12 education has now been cut a total of $204.6-million this year. Of that, a total of $179.4-million has been to the MAEP. Schoolchildren are feeling the effects of those cuts in significant ways. I am continuing to hear from superintendents, teachers, and parents about how the cuts are affecting their schools, and I am posting those as quickly as I can. Click hereto see those updates.
See Details of Senate Debate on SB2688 Hopson Amendment
posted 2/9/10
We have now posted the details of the debate on SB2688, the bill that Senator Hopson amended to restore $45-million in cuts to K-12. The Hopson Amendment was adopted on Thursday but was defeated on Friday after Senator Nunnelee held it on a motion to reconsider. Click hereto see details of the debate.
posted 2/9/10
The House and Senate have named the conferees for SB2495, a bill that the House amended to restore a portion of the funds cut from K-12 education and other agencies. The conferees (members of the conference committee) will negotiate the final language of the bill and produce a conference report. That conference report will then go to each chamber for a vote. The Parents' Campaign supports restoring as much funding as possible to K-12 education to avoid serious damage to the quality of education provided in our classrooms. The conferees are: House: Representatives Johnny Stringer, Cecil Brown and George Flaggs. Senate: Senators Alan Nunnelee, Doug Davis and Terry Burton.
House Committee Adds More Funding to SB2688
posted 2/11/10
The House Appropriations Committee has amended SB2688 to use $79-million from the Health Care Expendable Fund and unused funds returned to the state by the Public Service Commission to restore cuts to state agencies. It uses no money from the State Rainy Day Fund. This amendment would restore $34-million to the MAEP, $1.9-million to the National Board Certified Teacher Program, and $1.06-million to the Chickasaw Cession payments. The total directed to restore K-12 cuts in this amendment is $37.6-million.
posted 2/11/10
The House Appropriations Committee has amended SB2688 to use $79-million from the Health Care Expendable Fund and unused funds returned to the state by the Public Service Commission to restore cuts to state agencies. It uses no money from the State Rainy Day Fund. This amendment would restore $34-million to the MAEP, $1.9-million to the National Board Certified Teacher Program, and $1.06-million to the Chickasaw Cession payments. The total directed to restore K-12 cuts in this amendment is $37.6-million.
House Passes SB2688 as Amended
posted 2/11/10
The House has just passed SB2688 as amended by the Appropriations Committee on a 106 to 14 vote. The amended bill uses $79-million to restore cuts made to state agencies. It uses no money from the State Rainy Day Fund. This bill restores $34-million to the MAEP, $1.9-million to the National Board Certified Teacher Program and $1.06-million to the Chickasaw Cession payments. The House leadership has indicated that it intends to fully restore all cuts made to the National Board Certified Teacher Program. The total directed to restore K-12 cuts in the House version of the bill is $37.6-million. During debate, Representative Philip Gunn attempted to amend the bill in a way that would have reduced the funding for K-12 Education by $21-million. Fortunately, that amendment failed. See the vote on which Gunn's amendment failed. SB2688 was held on a motion to reconsider and so must be taken up again by the House before it can move on to the Senate. That motion is expected to be tabled on Monday and the bill should be sent to the Senate on Tuesday. Please ask your senator to concur with the House version of SB2688. Click here to find your senator's contact information. The House and Senate have adjourned for the weekend due to the weather, so you should be able to reach your senator at home.
posted 2/11/10
The House has just passed SB2688 as amended by the Appropriations Committee on a 106 to 14 vote. The amended bill uses $79-million to restore cuts made to state agencies. It uses no money from the State Rainy Day Fund. This bill restores $34-million to the MAEP, $1.9-million to the National Board Certified Teacher Program and $1.06-million to the Chickasaw Cession payments. The House leadership has indicated that it intends to fully restore all cuts made to the National Board Certified Teacher Program. The total directed to restore K-12 cuts in the House version of the bill is $37.6-million. During debate, Representative Philip Gunn attempted to amend the bill in a way that would have reduced the funding for K-12 Education by $21-million. Fortunately, that amendment failed. See the vote on which Gunn's amendment failed. SB2688 was held on a motion to reconsider and so must be taken up again by the House before it can move on to the Senate. That motion is expected to be tabled on Monday and the bill should be sent to the Senate on Tuesday. Please ask your senator to concur with the House version of SB2688. Click here to find your senator's contact information. The House and Senate have adjourned for the weekend due to the weather, so you should be able to reach your senator at home.
House Tables Motion to Reconsider on SB2688 Bill Going to Senate
posted 2/15/10
The House of Representatives tabled (killed) the motion to reconsider on SB2688, the bill the House amended to restore $37.6-million of the funds cut from K-12 education and to restore some of the funds cut from other agencies. The bill will now go to the Senate where we are hopeful that the Senate will concur with the House version.
Senate Bill 2688 on Senate Calendar
posted 2/16/10
SB2688 has been placed on the Senate calendar, and we are hopeful that Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee and Lt. Governor Phil Bryant will take up the bill immediately and that the Senate will concur with the House position. Schools are struggling mightily under the most recent round of budget cuts, and they need relief soon. Further delay will exacerbate the problems schools are facing and will threaten the quality of our children's education. Ask your senator to support immediate action to concur with the House version of SB2688.
House Passes Education Funding Bill for FY2011
posted 2/17/10 updated 2/18/10
This afternoon, the House of Representatives passed HB1622, the education funding bill for FY11 (next school year). The bill funds the MAEP at 5.5% less than the original appropriation for the current year, which is more than what schools have now after budget cuts. It also fully funds the National Board Certified Teacher Program, the Chickasaw Cession, and Educable Child, and it provides for the high growth funding mechanism to be used to ensure that growing districts are funded for every student. The bill passed on a 111 to 8 vote, and it will now go to the Senate for consideration. See the House vote.
SB2688 in Jeopardy
posted 2/17/10
We are continuing to push hard for the Senate to concur with the House position on Senate Bill 2688, the bill that the House amended to restore some cuts to our schools. It is our understanding that, after being called to the Governor's Mansion to meet with the governor, some senators have backed off of their support of this bill. The bill should come up in the Senate tomorrow morning. Please ask your senator to commit to concurring with the House position on Senate Bill 2688.
Senate Concurs with House on SB2688
Governor Says He Will Veto
posted 2/18/10
The Senate voted 26 to 22 to concur with the House version of SB2688, the bill that restores $37.6-million that has been cut from school budgets. See the Senate vote. Shortly after the vote, Governor Barbour issued a statement saying he would veto the legislation. We will need 34 Senate votes to override the governor's veto and get this desperately-needed funding to schools. Please ask for your senator's vote to override the governor's veto and protect the quality of education provided our children. Click here to see what your school district has lost due to budget cuts and how much would be restored through SB2688.
SB2688 Sent to Governor
Governor has Said He Will Veto
posted 2/23/10
The House and Senate leadership have signed SB2688, the bill that would restore $37.6-million to K-12 education, a fraction of the $204-million that has been cut from school budgets this year. An additional $41-million would go to other state agencies. The bill now awaits the governor's signature. Governor Barbour has said he will veto the bill because he feels it uses too much money and does not put enough money back into the Department of Corrections. Governor Barbour stated in a February 5th press conference that he would use a portion of his discretionary stimulus funds to restore most of the $28-million that has been cut from the Department of Corrections, but he has not yet done so. Please ask your senator to vote to override the governor's veto. Capitol Switchboard Number: 601-359-3770.
Governor has Said He Will Veto
posted 2/23/10
The House and Senate leadership have signed SB2688, the bill that would restore $37.6-million to K-12 education, a fraction of the $204-million that has been cut from school budgets this year. An additional $41-million would go to other state agencies. The bill now awaits the governor's signature. Governor Barbour has said he will veto the bill because he feels it uses too much money and does not put enough money back into the Department of Corrections. Governor Barbour stated in a February 5th press conference that he would use a portion of his discretionary stimulus funds to restore most of the $28-million that has been cut from the Department of Corrections, but he has not yet done so. Please ask your senator to vote to override the governor's veto. Capitol Switchboard Number: 601-359-3770.
Governor Vetoes SB2688 Legislature Will Have Opportunity to Override
posted 2/24/10
posted 2/24/10
Governor Barbour has vetoed Senate Bill 2688, the bill that uses a total of $79-million from various reserve funds to restore $37.6-million (18%) of the $204-million that has been cut from this year's K-12 education funding and to restore $41.4-million to other state agencies. The Legislature will now have an opportunity to override the governor's veto and get this desperately needed funding restored to our schools immediately. The Senate will have the first opportunity to override the governor's veto, and 34 votes will be required to do so. Please ask your senator to vote to override Governor Barbour's veto of Senate Bill 2688 so that $37.6-million can be immediately restored to K-12 education. The Capitol switchboard number is 601-359-3770 It will be important to get the support of Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee and Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, both of whom have resisted restoring funds cut from education You can reach Senator Nunnelee at the Capitol at 601-359-3250. You can reach Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant at 601-359-3200.
Senate Kills Bill That Would Have Restored Funds to Education
posted 2/25/10
The Senate failed to override Governor Barbour's veto of SB2688, the bill that would have restored $37.6-million to K-12 education. The 30 to 21 vote fell just 4 votes shy of the 34 needed to override the veto. See the Senate vote. We still have an opportunity to get some funds restored to education through SB2495, the bill that is in conference. We are hoping for swift action from the House and Senate conferees on that bill.
posted 2/25/10
The Senate failed to override Governor Barbour's veto of SB2688, the bill that would have restored $37.6-million to K-12 education. The 30 to 21 vote fell just 4 votes shy of the 34 needed to override the veto. See the Senate vote. We still have an opportunity to get some funds restored to education through SB2495, the bill that is in conference. We are hoping for swift action from the House and Senate conferees on that bill.
House and Senate Conferees Meet on SB2495
Senate Pushes for Less Education Funding
Senate Pushes for Less Education Funding
posted 2/26/10
The House and Senate conferees for Senate Bill 2495 (SB2495) have begun to meet. SB2495 is a bill that the House of Representatives amended weeks ago to restore some funding to education and other state agencies. The Senate declined to concur with the House position on that bill and invited conference to negotiate a compromise. It appears that the two chambers are once again hung up on education funding: the House is pushing to restore more funding to K-12 education while the Senate is pushing for less funding for K-12 than was in SB2688. The Senate prefers that more funding go instead to the Department of Corrections. The 3 conferees that Lt. Governor Phil Bryant assigned to this conference committee were among the 21 senators who voted against overriding the governor's veto of the bill that would have put $37.6-million back into public schools. A majority of the House and Senate voted for that bill, but a super majority was required to override Governor Barbour's veto. Senate Bill 2495 offers another opportunity to get some funding restored to schools, but we are quickly running out of time. Meanwhile, we are getting reports every day about the devastating effects that the budget cuts are having on our schools. With each passing day, more teachers and school staff are being lost, class size is rising, and children are losing access to programs designed to improve their chances of success.
No Resolution Yet on SB2495
posted 2/27/10
House and Senate conferees have not yet come to consensus on SB2495, the bill that would restore a portion of the funds that have been cut from education and other state agencies. We are getting conflicting reports about the level of funding for education being offered by each chamber. Please continue to press your own legislators and the conferees to come to consensus quickly on a bill that restores funds to schools. Further delay could have devastating consequences for schoolchildren.
Senate Conferees Are
Senator Alan Nunnelee Capitol: 601-359-3250 Home: 662-680-8671
Senator Terry Burton Capitol: 601-359-3234 Home: 601-683-7050
Senator Doug Davis Capitol: 601-359-2220 Home: 662-449-5617
House Conferees Are
Representative Johnny Stringer Capitol: 601-359-3340 Home: 601-739-3663
Representative Cecil Brown Capitol: 601-359-3330 Home: 601-362-8383
Representative George Flaggs Capitol: 601-359-3328 Work: 601-630-8004
Senate Conferees Are
Senator Alan Nunnelee Capitol: 601-359-3250 Home: 662-680-8671
Senator Terry Burton Capitol: 601-359-3234 Home: 601-683-7050
Senator Doug Davis Capitol: 601-359-2220 Home: 662-449-5617
House Conferees Are
Representative Johnny Stringer Capitol: 601-359-3340 Home: 601-739-3663
Representative Cecil Brown Capitol: 601-359-3330 Home: 601-362-8383
Representative George Flaggs Capitol: 601-359-3328 Work: 601-630-8004
We Have a Conference Report!
House and Senate Conferees Agree to Put Over $37-million Back Into K-12
posted 3/2/10
Late this evening, House and Senate conferees agreed on a conference report for SB2495. The agreement restores over $37-million to K-12 education, fully restoring the funds cut from the National Board Certified Teacher Program and the Chickasaw Cession Interest Payments. The House and Senate are expected to vote on the report as early as tomorrow. The Parents' Campaign is extremely grateful to the conferees: Representatives Johnny Stringer, Cecil Brown and George Flaggs Senators Alan Nunnelee, Terry Burton and Doug Davis.
House and Senate Conferees Agree to Put Over $37-million Back Into K-12
posted 3/2/10
Late this evening, House and Senate conferees agreed on a conference report for SB2495. The agreement restores over $37-million to K-12 education, fully restoring the funds cut from the National Board Certified Teacher Program and the Chickasaw Cession Interest Payments. The House and Senate are expected to vote on the report as early as tomorrow. The Parents' Campaign is extremely grateful to the conferees: Representatives Johnny Stringer, Cecil Brown and George Flaggs Senators Alan Nunnelee, Terry Burton and Doug Davis.
Move to Reduce Instructional Days Detrimental to Schoolchildren
posted 3/3/10
posted 3/3/10
In the face of budget challenges, legislators and school officials are seeking ways to provide school districts some flexibility that will save money but protect instruction, and The Parents' Campaign supports that effort. However, The Parents’ Campaign opposes an effort to reduce the minimum number of instructional days in the school year by a week (from 180 to 175 days). The quality of education provided our children will be compromised by reducing the number of days that teachers teach and students learn; the last thing we need to do in Mississippi is to teach our children less. The cost savings would be negligible and the harm to student achievement would likely be significant. Read more.
See Statement from State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tom Burnham
Read column by State Board of Education Chairman William Jones
The Parents’ Campaign supports granting local boards and superintendents the flexibility to furlough teachers and staff for up to 5 non-instructional days, a measure that would save significant funds, thereby preventing teacher layoffs and protecting class size.
See Statement from State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tom Burnham
Read column by State Board of Education Chairman William Jones
The Parents’ Campaign supports granting local boards and superintendents the flexibility to furlough teachers and staff for up to 5 non-instructional days, a measure that would save significant funds, thereby preventing teacher layoffs and protecting class size.
House and Senate Adopt Conference Report
posted 3/3/10
The House and Senate have voted overwhelmingly in favor of adopting the conference report on SB2495. The agreement uses $82-million to restore funds to K-12 education and other agencies, $3-million more than was used in SB2688. The total funding directed to K-12 education is $37.07-million, slightly less than was in SB2688. The agreement puts $34-million back into the MAEP and fully restores the funds cut from the National Board Certified Teacher Program and the Chickasaw Cession Interest Payment. The amount directed to National Board Certified Teacher Program and the Chickasaw Interest Payment is slightly more than was in SB2688 because the earlier bill did not address the cuts made on February 5th. See the House vote. See the Senate vote.
Congratulations to the members of The Parents' Campaign on a great victory for our schoolchildren!
posted 3/3/10
The House and Senate have voted overwhelmingly in favor of adopting the conference report on SB2495. The agreement uses $82-million to restore funds to K-12 education and other agencies, $3-million more than was used in SB2688. The total funding directed to K-12 education is $37.07-million, slightly less than was in SB2688. The agreement puts $34-million back into the MAEP and fully restores the funds cut from the National Board Certified Teacher Program and the Chickasaw Cession Interest Payment. The amount directed to National Board Certified Teacher Program and the Chickasaw Interest Payment is slightly more than was in SB2688 because the earlier bill did not address the cuts made on February 5th. See the House vote. See the Senate vote.
Congratulations to the members of The Parents' Campaign on a great victory for our schoolchildren!
Senate Appropriations Committee Reduces Ed Funding for Next Year
posted 3/10/10
posted 3/10/10
The Senate Appropriations Committee has amended HB1622 to reduce the level of funding going to schools for the coming year. My understanding is that the Senate version of the bill funds K-12 education at $40-million below the House position. The full Senate will likely take the bill up for debate tomorrow (Thursday) morning.
Governor Signs SB2495
posted 3/11/10
Governor Barbour has signed SB2495, restoring $82-million of the funding that has been cut from state agency budgets this year. $37-million of the restored funding is designated for K-12 education.
Senate Adjourns for Weekend With No Action on HB1622
posted 3/11/10
posted 3/11/10
The Senate adjourned for the weekend on Thursday afternoon before taking up any appropriations bills. They are scheduled to convene at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, and it is expected that they will take up HB1622, the education appropriations bill for next year, on Monday or Tuesday. The Senate Appropriations Committee has amended that bill to fund education at a level that is $40-million below the House position. Please ask your senator to support the House level of funding in HB1622.
Senate May Take up Funding Bill Monday
posted 3/15/10
The Senate convenes today (Monday) at 3:00 p.m., and they should get right to work on the funding bill for next year, HB1622, which is #1 on the Senate calendar for today. The Senate Appropriations Committee amended the House bill last week to reduce the level of funding going to K-12 education by about $40-million. We are hopeful that the full Senate will debate the bill today and that they will amend the bill again to meet the House level of funding for K-12 education. You can watch a webcast of the Senate proceedings at http://www.dfa.state.ms.us/unicast.htm.
posted 3/15/10
The Senate convenes today (Monday) at 3:00 p.m., and they should get right to work on the funding bill for next year, HB1622, which is #1 on the Senate calendar for today. The Senate Appropriations Committee amended the House bill last week to reduce the level of funding going to K-12 education by about $40-million. We are hopeful that the full Senate will debate the bill today and that they will amend the bill again to meet the House level of funding for K-12 education. You can watch a webcast of the Senate proceedings at http://www.dfa.state.ms.us/unicast.htm.
House Sends HB1170 to Conference
posted 3/15/10
This afternoon, the House of Representatives voted to send HB1170 to conference. This is the bill that would allow schools to furlough employees for up to 5 non-instructional days (a significant cost-saving measure intended to save teachers' jobs), provide districts flexibility in setting local supplements, and reduce the minimum number of instructional days required from 180 to 175. The bill also provides that, when a school district's fund balance falls below 7% of the year's total revenue, the district shall submit its proposed budget for the following year to the Mississippi Department of Education for approval. We are hopeful that the conferees will retain the provisions addressing furloughs, local supplements, and budget approval and remove the provision that reduces the number of instructional days required. Three members of each chamber will negotiate the conference report which each full chamber must approve.
Senate Takes No Action on School Funding Bill Likely to Take it up Tuesday
posted 3/15/10
posted 3/15/10
The Senate did not take up any appropriations bills when it convened on Monday afternoon, so it is likely that the education funding bill will be taken up on Tuesday morning. The bill that provides school funding, HB1622, remains #1 on the Senate calendar. The Senate will convene at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday to swear in newly-elected Senator Albert Butler of Claiborne County and will begin working down the Senate calendar following the swearing-in. Teachers and schoolchildren on spring break can watch the proceedings from the fourth-floor Senate gallery or via webcast.
Senate Votes to Increase Its Position on MAEP & NBCT
posted 3/16/10
The Senate voted 31 to 19 today to meet the House position on funding for the MAEP and the National Board Certified Teacher Program (NBCT). This fully funds the NBCT and adds $27-million to the Senate's position on MAEP. The amendment also adds a provision that says that, should the U.S. Congress decrease the states' required match for Medicaid (which is currently in progress), an additional $50-million will be added to the MAEP. The Senate bill still funds some areas of K-12 at a lower level than does the House of Representatives (Educable Child, School for the Blind and Deaf, MS Dept. of Education, etc.), and both the House and Senate positions underfund the MAEP for the next school year by a considerable margin. Nonetheless, this is a significant victory for education proponents. The bill will now go back to the House where they are likely to invite conference.
posted 3/16/10
The Senate voted 31 to 19 today to meet the House position on funding for the MAEP and the National Board Certified Teacher Program (NBCT). This fully funds the NBCT and adds $27-million to the Senate's position on MAEP. The amendment also adds a provision that says that, should the U.S. Congress decrease the states' required match for Medicaid (which is currently in progress), an additional $50-million will be added to the MAEP. The Senate bill still funds some areas of K-12 at a lower level than does the House of Representatives (Educable Child, School for the Blind and Deaf, MS Dept. of Education, etc.), and both the House and Senate positions underfund the MAEP for the next school year by a considerable margin. Nonetheless, this is a significant victory for education proponents. The bill will now go back to the House where they are likely to invite conference.
Legislative Budget Committee Adopts Lower Revenue Estimate
posted 3/17/10 11:00 a.m.
posted 3/17/10 11:00 a.m.
The Legislative Budget Committee adopted this morning the revised revenue estimate recommended by the Revenue Estimating Committee. The revised revenue estimate for FY2010, the current fiscal year, is $4,432,000,000, or $119.4-million below the estimate adopted last November. The revised revenue estimate for FY2011, or next year (the year for which appropriations are now being decided), is $5,562,900,000, or $112.9-million below the estimate adopted in November. The Revenue Estimating Committee bases its recommendations on national forecasts and recent and historical economic trends within the state of Mississippi. The downward revision in the estimate means that the Legislature will have fewer dollars to appropriate for the coming year. It is expected that Governor Barbour will make additional cuts to the current-year budget to bring state spending in line with the downward revision in the FY2010 revenue estimate.
Governor Barbour Cuts State Budgets Again
posted 3/17/10 2:00 p.m.
posted 3/17/10 2:00 p.m.
Governor Barbour announced this afternoon another $41-million in cuts to this year's state agency budgets, $19,160,726 of which is to K-12 education. That brings the total cuts to this year's K-12 budget to $223,769,811, or 9.476%. Of that, $37.6-million was restored in SB2495. Of the $19.16-million in cuts that were announced today, $16.8-million is to MAEP and $190,671 is to the National Board Certified Teacher Program.
Education Rally Tuesday, March 23rd
posted 3/19/10
House Education Chairman Cecil Brown will hold a rally at the Capitol on Tuesday, March 23rd, in an attempt to protect education funding for the coming year. The events of the last few days have complicated budget negotiations, and school funding is threatened. Education supporters are encouraged to participate in the rally Protect School Funding Rally Second Floor Rotunda of the State Capitol Tuesday, March 23, 2010 11:00 a.m.
posted 3/19/10
House Education Chairman Cecil Brown will hold a rally at the Capitol on Tuesday, March 23rd, in an attempt to protect education funding for the coming year. The events of the last few days have complicated budget negotiations, and school funding is threatened. Education supporters are encouraged to participate in the rally Protect School Funding Rally Second Floor Rotunda of the State Capitol Tuesday, March 23, 2010 11:00 a.m.
HCR121 Could Mean More Money for Education
posted 3/23/10
posted 3/23/10
A House attempt to buy some time for the appropriations process could result in $189-million in additional appropriations, $50- to $90-million of which would likely go to K-12 education. Passage of House Concurrent Resolution 121 (HCR121) would extend the 2010 Regular Session of the Legislature, but it would not result in additional pay for legislators. The resolution directs legislators to adjourn on Friday, March 26th and to return on April 20th to resume work on appropriations bills. The extension of the session would allow legislators additional time in the appropriations process, time which would allow them to learn whether or not a bill working its way through Congress will yield $189-million in savings for the state - money which could then be appropriated to state agencies. The federal bill appears likely to pass, and it would reduce Mississippi's required match for Medicaid, freeing up the funds. The current deadline for filing conference reports on appropriations bills is tomorrow, Wednesday, March 24th, a deadline that conferees say cannot be met. Failure to extend the session on paper could cause legislators to waste working days and might mean a costly special session later in the process. Failing to wait for the federal bill to pass could also mean a significant loss of funds for K-12. Legislators should vote in favor of HCR121 and extend the 2010 Regular Session of the Legislature.
Close, But Still Not There
posted 3/24/10
posted 3/24/10
We got 3 more "yea" votes on HCR121 this morning, which made the vote a little closer. But we are still a few votes shy of the 2/3 majority needed to extend the legislative session and buy more time for the appropriations process. See vote. The resolution was held again on a motion to reconsider, and so another vote is likely. The House and Senate will convene tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. In the meantime, the deadline to file conference reports on appropriations bills is tonight at 8:00 p.m., a deadline that conferees acknowledge will not be met. Conferees can either file dummy reports in order to meet tonight's deadline and keep the appropriations bills alive, or they can let all appropriations bills die on the calendar. If the bills die, the process will have to begin over again with new bills that will work their way through committees and into conference, and the rules will have to be suspended in order to set new deadlines. The other option is to adjourn the regular session and return in a costly special session. HCR121 would extend the deadlines for the 2010 Regular Session, but legislators would still be paid only for the 90 days that they are actually in session. It simply shifts the dates of those days in order to give legislators time to get all of the budget information they need to make wise decisions for our state. Please ask your representative to support HCR121, extending the 2010 Regular Session of the Legislature.
House Votes to Extend Regular Session
posted 3/25/10 11:40 a.m
House of Representatives has voted unanimously to extend the 2010 Regular Session of the Legislature to May 3rd. House Concurrent Resolution 121 (HCR121) provides that legislators will adjourn following adoption of conference reports on general bills (probably Monday or Tuesday) and return on April 20th to finalize appropriations bills. The break will allow them to get their work done within the 90 days allotted for the session while providing time to get a better picture of the revenue that will be available. At stake is at least $187-million that will likely be freed up by a bill working its way through the U.S. Congress that would extend the lower Medicaid match being paid by Mississippi to the federal government. The break will also provide legislators a better picture of Mississippi's revenue situation, as the March receipts will be available by that time. March revenue is currently up significantly over last year. House Appropriations Chairman Johnny Stringer announced that the House and Senate have agreed on the amount of revenue on which to base the FY2011 budget, an important milestone in the budget-building process.
Senate Votes to Extend Regular Session
posted 3/25/10 4:00 p.m
The Senate has joined the House in unanimously approving HCR121 to extend the 2010 Regular Session of the Legislature to May 3rd. Legislators will work through the weekend, if necessary, to wrap up work on general bills on or before next Wednesday when they will adjourn for a break. They will return at 1:00 p.m. on April 20th to finalize appropriations bills within the 90 days allotted them in a regular legislative session. There will be no additional cost to taxpayers.
HB1170 Conference Report Adopted by House & Senate
posted 3/26/10
The House of Representatives and the Senate have adopted the conference report on HB1170. The report allows school districts to furlough all employees, including the superintendent, for up to 3 non-instructional days for which employees would not be paid. It further requires that, for every furlough day, employees be allowed an additional 1/2 personal day off with pay. The report does not allow for the reduction of instructional days. The report further provides that when a district's ending fund balance falls below 7% of the district's total revenue for the fiscal year, the district must file with the Mississippi Department of Education, a budget plan for the next fiscal year which must be approved by the Mississippi Department of Education.
posted 3/25/10 4:00 p.m
The Senate has joined the House in unanimously approving HCR121 to extend the 2010 Regular Session of the Legislature to May 3rd. Legislators will work through the weekend, if necessary, to wrap up work on general bills on or before next Wednesday when they will adjourn for a break. They will return at 1:00 p.m. on April 20th to finalize appropriations bills within the 90 days allotted them in a regular legislative session. There will be no additional cost to taxpayers.
posted 3/26/10
The House of Representatives and the Senate have adopted the conference report on HB1170. The report allows school districts to furlough all employees, including the superintendent, for up to 3 non-instructional days for which employees would not be paid. It further requires that, for every furlough day, employees be allowed an additional 1/2 personal day off with pay. The report does not allow for the reduction of instructional days. The report further provides that when a district's ending fund balance falls below 7% of the district's total revenue for the fiscal year, the district must file with the Mississippi Department of Education, a budget plan for the next fiscal year which must be approved by the Mississippi Department of Education.
House and Senate Adopt Conference Report on Charter Schools
posted 3/27/10
posted 3/27/10
The House and Senate have adopted the conference report on SB2293, the charter school bill. The report requires that schools that have been rated as failing for 3 consecutive years be converted to New Start Schools under the administration of the Recovery School District. The report further provides that schools that have been rated as failing, low performing or at risk of failing for 3 consecutive years may be converted to charter status upon a majority vote of the parents of the children enrolled in the school and upon approval of the State Board of Education. Parents would elect a management board to oversee the operation of the charter school. Read the full conference report.
Senate Adjourns Until April 20
posted 3/27/10 2:20 p.m
The Senate has concluded its work on general bills and has adjourned until April 20th. They will return at 1:00 p.m. on April 20, 2010, to begin work on appropriations bills.
Senate Adjourns Until April 20
posted 3/27/10 2:20 p.m
The Senate has concluded its work on general bills and has adjourned until April 20th. They will return at 1:00 p.m. on April 20, 2010, to begin work on appropriations bills.
House Adjourns Until April 20
posted 3/27/10
The House has concluded its work on general bills and has adjourned until April 20th. The Senate adjourned earlier in the day. Legislators will return at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, to begin work on appropriations bills.
posted 3/27/10
The House has concluded its work on general bills and has adjourned until April 20th. The Senate adjourned earlier in the day. Legislators will return at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, to begin work on appropriations bills.
The Parents' Campaign Celebrates 4th Anniversary with 60,000 Members
posted 3/31/10
posted 3/31/10
The Parents' Campaign surpassed the 60,000-member mark today, the 4th anniversary of our incorporation. Kudos to our faithful volunteers who have helped us reach this impressive milestone! Read press release.
Governor Approves HB1170 Allowing School District Furloughs
posted 4/7/10
Governor Barbour has approved HB1170, and it has become law. The bill allows school districts to furlough all employees, including the superintendent, for up to 3 non-instructional days for which employees would not be paid. It further requires that, for every furlough day, employees be allowed an additional 1/2 personal day off with pay. The report does not allow for the reduction of instructional days. The report further provides that when a district's ending fund balance falls below 7% of the district's total revenue for the fiscal year, the district must file with the Mississippi Department of Education, a budget plan for the next fiscal year which must be approved by the Mississippi Department of Education.
Governor Barbour Makes New Budget Recommendation
posted 4/14/10
Governor Barbour has announced his revised budget recommendation for FY2011, the coming fiscal year, asking that legislators strip over $160-million from the funding they adopted for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) just a few weeks ago. The governor's budget recommendation would underfund the MAEP by over $319-million. The Parents' Campaign supports the Bryan Amendment, the level of funding adopted by the Senate just before they adjourned for a 3-week break. Read more.
While education funding had been increasing over the past few years, education funding has not grown as fast as has the total state budget. Over the past 4 years, education funding has grown by 15% as compared to an increase of 39% in total state appropriations. Read more.
posted 4/14/10
Governor Barbour has announced his revised budget recommendation for FY2011, the coming fiscal year, asking that legislators strip over $160-million from the funding they adopted for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) just a few weeks ago. The governor's budget recommendation would underfund the MAEP by over $319-million. The Parents' Campaign supports the Bryan Amendment, the level of funding adopted by the Senate just before they adjourned for a 3-week break. Read more.
While education funding had been increasing over the past few years, education funding has not grown as fast as has the total state budget. Over the past 4 years, education funding has grown by 15% as compared to an increase of 39% in total state appropriations. Read more.
Legislators Return to Finalize Budget Bills
posted 4/20/10
Legislators returned to the Capitol at 1:00 p.m. today to continue their work on the state budget. They expect to take up the education funding bill, HB1622, tomorrow (Wednesday). The conference report on HB1622 has not been filed as of this posting, but it appears that MAEP funding has been reduced considerably from the positions of the House and Senate at the time they adjourned for the break. The Legislature adjourned in March with the hope that, while they were in recess, Congress would pass legislation to extend the reduced state match for Medicaid and free up $187-million to be appropriated elsewhere. That has not happened, though there is still hope that it will eventually. In addition to the regular appropriations bills, conferees have drafted a contingency budget that would appropriate additional funds if the reduced match is extended. It appears that the bulk of that funding would go to K-12. According to House Education Chairman Cecil Brown, the funding for MAEP without the contingency appropriation will put MAEP funding statewide at about $72-million below the current level (after budget cuts). If the reduced match is extended and the contingency funding becomes available, MAEP funding statewide will be approximately $8-million above the current level. Watch this site for updates.
Conference Report on HB1622 Filed
posted 4/21/10 2:30 p.m.
posted 4/21/10 2:30 p.m.
The conference report for HB1622, the education funding bill, has been filed, but it is not yet posted online. Each chamber is expected to take the bill up sometime this afternoon or tonight. The Senate is in recess until 4:00 p.m. The House is working down its calendar. You can view a webcast of the House and Senate proceedings at http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/ls_webcast.htm.
Pass K-12 Funding Bill for FY11
posted 4/21/10 8:00 p.m.
The House and Senate have adopted the conference report for HB1622, the K-12 funding bill for the coming fiscal year. The bill provides funding that is approximately $80-million below the current level of funding for all of K-12 education (FY10 after budget cuts), about $37-million below the current level of funding for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP). It underfunds the MAEP by $232-million for FY11 Both chambers also passed HB1059, a bill that makes contingency funding available to state agencies if the U.S. Congress adopts legislation extending the reduced state match for Medicaid, a move that would save Mississippi about $187-million. HB1059 appropriates approximately $82-million of that funding to K-12 education. Senator Hob Bryan of Amory attempted to recommit HB1622 for further conference with the intention of appropriating additional contingency funds to K-12. His motion to recommit was defeated on a 19 to 28 vote in the Senate.
See vote.
posted 4/21/10 8:00 p.m.
The House and Senate have adopted the conference report for HB1622, the K-12 funding bill for the coming fiscal year. The bill provides funding that is approximately $80-million below the current level of funding for all of K-12 education (FY10 after budget cuts), about $37-million below the current level of funding for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP). It underfunds the MAEP by $232-million for FY11 Both chambers also passed HB1059, a bill that makes contingency funding available to state agencies if the U.S. Congress adopts legislation extending the reduced state match for Medicaid, a move that would save Mississippi about $187-million. HB1059 appropriates approximately $82-million of that funding to K-12 education. Senator Hob Bryan of Amory attempted to recommit HB1622 for further conference with the intention of appropriating additional contingency funds to K-12. His motion to recommit was defeated on a 19 to 28 vote in the Senate.
See vote.
Our Condolences to Those Who are Suffering
posted 4/26/10
posted 4/26/10
We at The Parents' Campaign extend our deepest sympathies to those in the Choctaw County School District, where 2 students lost their lives in the storms that devastated their community over the weekend. We remember, too, all those across the state who have suffered terrible losses due to the storm and to the oil rig accident off the Mississippi coast. For information on how you can help, go to http://www.msema.org/.
Local School District MAEP Allocations
posted 4/28/10
posted 4/28/10
The Mississippi Department of Education has developed a spreadsheet that shows the local school district allocations of MAEP funding that was appropriated for the coming year in House Bills 1622 and 1059. Please bear in mind that the funding appropriated in HB1059 is contingent upon the passage of federal legislation to extend the states' reduced match for Medicaid. Schools will receive at least the level of funding appropriated in HB1622. You will note that the spreadsheet is in draft form. This is due to the fact that Governor Barbour has not yet received and signed the appropriations bills. Though he is expected to approve them, the budgets are not final until he does so. The spreadsheet compares what districts had in the way of MAEP funding for the current year (FY10) after budget cuts and after some of the funding that had been cut was restored, what each school district will receive in the way of MAEP funding for FY11 (next year) according to HB1622, what each district would receive for FY11 according to HB1059 if the federal legislation is passed, and the amount of ARRA (federal stimulus funding) that was used in the appropriations.
Click here to see how much your school district will receive in MAEP funding for the coming year.
U.S. Senate Vote Canceled
posted 8/2/10
It appears that today's U.S. Senate vote on the substitute amendment to HR 1586 was canceled. The substitute amendment would have provided a total of $180-million in funding for Mississippi's public schools. We will post updates as we learn more about this bill Watch this site for additional information.
The U.S. Senate passed the FMAP Extension/Education Jobs bill that should generate significant funding for Mississippi's K-12 system. The bill passed on a 61-39 vote with both of Mississippi's senators voting against the measure. The bill will now go back to the House of Representatives for concurrence. The House is currently on its August break, but the House leadership has announced that members will return next week to take up this bill. See vote. Click here to read the text of the Education Jobs Funding section of Amendment 4575 to H.R. 1586.
FMAP Funds to be Carried Forward to FY12
posted 8/31/10
Governor Barbour issued a statement this afternoon indicating that the leadership of both the House and Senate have agreed to carry forward to the next fiscal year, FY2012, the $127-million in state funding that was freed up by the FMAP legislation recently passed by the U.S. Congress. The Mississippi Legislature passed in the 2010 Regular Session of the Legislature an alternate budget that was to take effect if such legislation was passed. The alternate budget laid out in HB1059 would have sent $82-million in additional funding to our public schools for use in the current year. It appears that those funds will now be carried over to be appropriated in the next legislative session. Click here to read Governor Barbour's statement.
The Parents' Campaign Urges Leaders to Enact Alternate Budget
posted 9/1/10
The Parents' Campaign has issued a statement calling on Mississippi's state legislative leaders to enact the alternate budget provided for in HB1059. Governor Barbour issued a statement yesterday indicating that House & Senate leaders had agreed to place into Mississippi's Rainy Day Fund the state funds relieved by Congress's FMAP legislation rather than re-appropriating them as promised during the 2010 Regular Legislative Session. K-12 would have received an additional $82-million under the alternatebudget. Read more.
Click here to see how much your school district will receive in MAEP funding for the coming year.
Mississippi Students Take MCT2 May 11-13
posted 5/6/10
posted 5/6/10
Mississippi students will take the Mississippi Curriculum Test Second Edition (MCT2) on May 11, 12 & 13, and parents have an important role to play. The scores from these tests will determine each school's and each school district's accountability rating. Click here to learn more about the assessments and how you can help students do their best. See tips for parents.
MCT2 Test Schedule
Tuesday, May 11 Language Arts Reading
Wednesday, May 12 Language Arts Writing
Thursday, May 13 Mathematics
GOOD LUCK, STUDENTS AND TEACHERS!
Click here for testing tips
Wednesday, May 12 Language Arts Writing
Thursday, May 13 Mathematics
GOOD LUCK, STUDENTS AND TEACHERS!
Click here for testing tips
Mississippi Communities Step up for MCT2
posted 5/20/10
Mississippi communities stepped up to show their support for their schools and schoolchildren during state testing. Read more.
posted 5/20/10
Mississippi communities stepped up to show their support for their schools and schoolchildren during state testing. Read more.
Governor Barbour Signs Funding Bill
posted 5/21/10
Late today, Governor Barbour signed HB1622, the education funding bill. The bill funds education at $37-million less than schools had this year after budget cuts and at $232-milion less than is required for full funding of the MAEP for the coming year. It fully funds the National Board Certification Program and the Chickasaw Cession Interest Payments. The governor also signed HB1059, which provides for the re-appropriation of some state funding should the U.S. Congress pass legislation extending the reduced state match for Medicaid. This would mean an additional $82-million for K-12 education if Congress takes the necessary action.
Mississippi Receives Grant for Education Data System
posted 6/1/10
Mississippi has been awarded a $7.6-million grant to allow student progress to be tracked from early childhood education, through K-12 and college, and into their careers while protecting student privacy and confidentiality. The system will allow our state to identify strengths and weaknesses throughout our education system, contributing to more efficient use of state dollars and a better education system for our children. Read more.
Report Shows Mississippi Improving Student Achievement
posted 6/30/10
The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) issued a report today showing that Mississippi has made significant gains in student achievement on national measures in the past couple of years. Hats off to the teachers and school leaders who have worked so hard to move our children forward. And many, many thanks to the thousands of Mississippians who have called and emailed legislators, written letters to the editor, forwarded our emails, and stepped up in so many ways to ensure that our children have the tools they need to succeed. We still have lots of work to do, but we are headed in the right direction. Read more.
posted 6/30/10
The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) issued a report today showing that Mississippi has made significant gains in student achievement on national measures in the past couple of years. Hats off to the teachers and school leaders who have worked so hard to move our children forward. And many, many thanks to the thousands of Mississippians who have called and emailed legislators, written letters to the editor, forwarded our emails, and stepped up in so many ways to ensure that our children have the tools they need to succeed. We still have lots of work to do, but we are headed in the right direction. Read more.
Federal Legislation Could Mean Additional $82-million for K-12
posted 7/19/10
It appears that the U.S. Senate could be voting very soon on the federal legislation that would generate an additional $82-million in state funding for Mississippi's K-12 education system. To support passage of federal legislation that would free up state funding to be appropriated to K-12, please contact Senators Cochran and Wicker as listed below. Read more.
Ask Senators Cochran and Wicker to support the amendment to the jobs bill that would extend the enhanced federal Medicaid match through June 30, 2011, freeing up state funding to be appropriated to our public schools.
You can contact our Senators at:
Senator Thad Cochran 202-224-5054
Senator Roger Wicker 202-224-6253
posted 7/19/10
It appears that the U.S. Senate could be voting very soon on the federal legislation that would generate an additional $82-million in state funding for Mississippi's K-12 education system. To support passage of federal legislation that would free up state funding to be appropriated to K-12, please contact Senators Cochran and Wicker as listed below. Read more.
Ask Senators Cochran and Wicker to support the amendment to the jobs bill that would extend the enhanced federal Medicaid match through June 30, 2011, freeing up state funding to be appropriated to our public schools.
You can contact our Senators at:
Senator Thad Cochran 202-224-5054
Senator Roger Wicker 202-224-6253
Mississippi Doesn't Make 2nd Round Cut In Race to the Top Application
posted 7/28/10
The U.S. Department of Education has announced that 18 states and the District of Columbia will move on to the interview phase in the second round of applications for Race to the Top grants. Mississippi was not among the states selected as finalists. Read State Superintendents Dr. Tom Burnham's column addressing the change.Vote Likely Monday on Federal Bill That Will Generate $180-million for MS K-12
posted 8/1/10
The U.S. Senate will probably vote on Monday, August 2nd, on a federal bill that would generate $180-million for Mississippi's K-12 education system. The substitute amendment to HR 1586 will extend the enhanced FMAP (the provision that will free up state funding and generate $82-million in education dollars) and provide an additional $98-million for education jobs. The bill will require no additional taxes and will not add to the federal deficit. Read more.
Please call Senators Cochran and Wicker and ask for their support of the substitute amendment to HR 1586, extending the enhanced FMAP and generating important funding for public schools.
posted 7/28/10
The U.S. Department of Education has announced that 18 states and the District of Columbia will move on to the interview phase in the second round of applications for Race to the Top grants. Mississippi was not among the states selected as finalists. Read State Superintendents Dr. Tom Burnham's column addressing the change.Vote Likely Monday on Federal Bill That Will Generate $180-million for MS K-12
posted 8/1/10
The U.S. Senate will probably vote on Monday, August 2nd, on a federal bill that would generate $180-million for Mississippi's K-12 education system. The substitute amendment to HR 1586 will extend the enhanced FMAP (the provision that will free up state funding and generate $82-million in education dollars) and provide an additional $98-million for education jobs. The bill will require no additional taxes and will not add to the federal deficit. Read more.
Please call Senators Cochran and Wicker and ask for their support of the substitute amendment to HR 1586, extending the enhanced FMAP and generating important funding for public schools.
Senator Thad Cochran 202-224-5054
Senator Roger Wicker 202-224-6253
Senator Roger Wicker 202-224-6253
U.S. Senate Vote Canceled
posted 8/2/10
It appears that today's U.S. Senate vote on the substitute amendment to HR 1586 was canceled. The substitute amendment would have provided a total of $180-million in funding for Mississippi's public schools. We will post updates as we learn more about this bill Watch this site for additional information.
Vote Scheduled for Wednesday Morning
posted 8/3/10
Initial analysis of the FMAP extension/education jobs amendment to HR 1586 indicated that the bill had been fully paid for and would not add to the federal deficit. When the more rigorous analysis by the Congressional Budget Office came in closer to yesterday's scheduled vote, it indicated that some of the cuts that had been made to offset the cost of the bill did not produce as much in savings as originally thought. Therefore, those backing the bill canceled yesterday's vote and went back to the drawing board to make cuts to other areas in order to ensure that the bill will, in fact, be fully paid for and will not add to the deficit. A vote on the amendment is expected on Wednesday morning of this week. Watch this site for updates.
posted 8/3/10
Initial analysis of the FMAP extension/education jobs amendment to HR 1586 indicated that the bill had been fully paid for and would not add to the federal deficit. When the more rigorous analysis by the Congressional Budget Office came in closer to yesterday's scheduled vote, it indicated that some of the cuts that had been made to offset the cost of the bill did not produce as much in savings as originally thought. Therefore, those backing the bill canceled yesterday's vote and went back to the drawing board to make cuts to other areas in order to ensure that the bill will, in fact, be fully paid for and will not add to the deficit. A vote on the amendment is expected on Wednesday morning of this week. Watch this site for updates.
FMAP/Education Funding Vote Scheduled for 9:40 a.m. CST
posted 8/4/10 8:15 a.m.
It appears that the U.S. Senate vote on the substitute amendment to HR 1586, the legislation that would provide $180-million in funding for Mississippi's K-12 system, is scheduled for 10:40 a.m. Eastern Standard Time or 9:40 a.m. Central Standard Time. Read more.
You can contact Mississippi Senators Cochran and Wicker at:
Senator Thad Cochran 202-224-5054
Senator Roger Wicker 202-224-6253
posted 8/4/10 8:15 a.m.
It appears that the U.S. Senate vote on the substitute amendment to HR 1586, the legislation that would provide $180-million in funding for Mississippi's K-12 system, is scheduled for 10:40 a.m. Eastern Standard Time or 9:40 a.m. Central Standard Time. Read more.
You can contact Mississippi Senators Cochran and Wicker at:
Senator Thad Cochran 202-224-5054
Senator Roger Wicker 202-224-6253
Senate Moves FMAP/Education Jobs Bill Forward
Final Passage Vote Scheduled for Thursday
posted 8/4/10 1:00 p.m.
The U.S. Senate has voted 61 to 38 to end debate on the amendment to HR 1586, the legislation that would generate $180-million in funding for Mississippi's K-12 system. Mississippi Senators Cochran and Wicker both voted against the Motion to Invoke Cloture, or end debate, effectively voting against the bill. The vote to invoke cloture, or end debate, was considered the primary hurdle that the bill had to clear in the Senate. The final passage vote, which is scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday), requires only a majority and is expected to pass easily. The bill will then go back to the House of Representatives for concurrence. The House is currently adjourned for its summer break and is not scheduled to return until mid-September. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today that she will call House members back next week to vote on this bill. The bill is expected to pass the House, sending as much as $180-million to Mississippi schools.
Final Passage Vote Scheduled for Thursday
posted 8/4/10 1:00 p.m.
The U.S. Senate has voted 61 to 38 to end debate on the amendment to HR 1586, the legislation that would generate $180-million in funding for Mississippi's K-12 system. Mississippi Senators Cochran and Wicker both voted against the Motion to Invoke Cloture, or end debate, effectively voting against the bill. The vote to invoke cloture, or end debate, was considered the primary hurdle that the bill had to clear in the Senate. The final passage vote, which is scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday), requires only a majority and is expected to pass easily. The bill will then go back to the House of Representatives for concurrence. The House is currently adjourned for its summer break and is not scheduled to return until mid-September. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today that she will call House members back next week to vote on this bill. The bill is expected to pass the House, sending as much as $180-million to Mississippi schools.
Senate Vote on HR 1586 Scheduled for This Morning
posted 8/5/10 8:00 a.m
The U.S. Senate is scheduled to begin voting on the amendment to HR 1586 and two other measures at 10:40 a.m. Eastern time, or 9:40 a.m. Central time, today. The amendment extends the FMAP and provides funding for education jobs, generating, potentially, a total of $180-million for public schools in Mississippi.
posted 8/5/10 8:00 a.m
The U.S. Senate is scheduled to begin voting on the amendment to HR 1586 and two other measures at 10:40 a.m. Eastern time, or 9:40 a.m. Central time, today. The amendment extends the FMAP and provides funding for education jobs, generating, potentially, a total of $180-million for public schools in Mississippi.
U.S. Senate Passes FMAP/Ed Funding Bill
Cochran and Wicker Vote No
posted 8/5/10Cochran and Wicker Vote No
The U.S. Senate passed the FMAP Extension/Education Jobs bill that should generate significant funding for Mississippi's K-12 system. The bill passed on a 61-39 vote with both of Mississippi's senators voting against the measure. The bill will now go back to the House of Representatives for concurrence. The House is currently on its August break, but the House leadership has announced that members will return next week to take up this bill. See vote. Click here to read the text of the Education Jobs Funding section of Amendment 4575 to H.R. 1586.
Read Text of Education Jobs Fund Amendment
posted 8/6/10
Click here to read the text of the Education Jobs Funding section of U. S. Senate Amendment 4575 to H.R. 1586.
posted 8/6/10
Click here to read the text of the Education Jobs Funding section of U. S. Senate Amendment 4575 to H.R. 1586.
U.S. House Vote Scheduled for Today (Tuesday)
posted 8/10/10
The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the FMAP/Education Jobs bill between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (2:00 to 2:30 p.m. Central Standard Time) today. There has been a question raised about whether or not Mississippi meets the Maintenance of Effort provision necessary to qualify for the federal funds. It appears that there are a number of options available that would allow us to meet the standard required. Mississippi schools are in dire need of these funds, and it would be a disservice to Mississippi children and their teachers to leave these funds on the table. Difficult financial times require creative and entrepreneurial thinking. Our state's leaders need to be thinking of every way possible to take advantage of every opportunity to protect the integrity of our education system. Currently, a number of legislators, Governor Barbour's staff, and others are seeking additional information and a resolution that will allow us to take advantage of this important funding.
posted 8/10/10
The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the FMAP/Education Jobs bill between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (2:00 to 2:30 p.m. Central Standard Time) today. There has been a question raised about whether or not Mississippi meets the Maintenance of Effort provision necessary to qualify for the federal funds. It appears that there are a number of options available that would allow us to meet the standard required. Mississippi schools are in dire need of these funds, and it would be a disservice to Mississippi children and their teachers to leave these funds on the table. Difficult financial times require creative and entrepreneurial thinking. Our state's leaders need to be thinking of every way possible to take advantage of every opportunity to protect the integrity of our education system. Currently, a number of legislators, Governor Barbour's staff, and others are seeking additional information and a resolution that will allow us to take advantage of this important funding.
U.S. House Passes FMAP/Ed Funding Bill
posted 8/10/10 2:45 p.m.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the FMAP/Education Jobs Funding bill on a 247 to 161 vote. The bill will now go to President Obama for his signature. Mississippi Congressmen Thompson and Childers voted in favor of the measure. We are grateful to these congressmen for their support of this bill. Congressmen Harper and Taylor voted against the measure. Work is currently underway to determine the exact amount of funding for which Mississippi is eligible. We will post updates as additional information becomes available.
posted 8/10/10 2:45 p.m.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the FMAP/Education Jobs Funding bill on a 247 to 161 vote. The bill will now go to President Obama for his signature. Mississippi Congressmen Thompson and Childers voted in favor of the measure. We are grateful to these congressmen for their support of this bill. Congressmen Harper and Taylor voted against the measure. Work is currently underway to determine the exact amount of funding for which Mississippi is eligible. We will post updates as additional information becomes available.
Obama Signs FMAP/Ed Funding Bill
posted 8/10/10 5:30 p.m.
Shortly after the U.S. House passed the FMAP/Education Jobs Funding bill, President Obama signed it into law. The U.S. Department of Education has pledged to streamline the application process in order to get the money down to the local school district level quickly. Mississippi budget experts are looking into what steps Mississippi needs to take in order to take advantage of this important funding. The FMAP provision will provide $151-million in Medicaid relief to our state, and as much as $82-million of that could go to K-12. The Education Jobs Funding portion of the bill has $98-million slated for Mississippi school districts. Schools can use these funds to retain employees, rehire employees they have had to let go, or hire new ones. A number of options exist that would allow Mississippi to qualify for these funds without having to rewrite the budget.
posted 8/10/10 5:30 p.m.
Shortly after the U.S. House passed the FMAP/Education Jobs Funding bill, President Obama signed it into law. The U.S. Department of Education has pledged to streamline the application process in order to get the money down to the local school district level quickly. Mississippi budget experts are looking into what steps Mississippi needs to take in order to take advantage of this important funding. The FMAP provision will provide $151-million in Medicaid relief to our state, and as much as $82-million of that could go to K-12. The Education Jobs Funding portion of the bill has $98-million slated for Mississippi school districts. Schools can use these funds to retain employees, rehire employees they have had to let go, or hire new ones. A number of options exist that would allow Mississippi to qualify for these funds without having to rewrite the budget.
Initial Federal Guidelines on FMAP/Education Jobs Bill Released
posted 8/17/10
The U.S. Department of Education has released the initial federal guidelines for the FMAP/Education Jobs bill that passed the U.S. Congress last week. Based upon the information in the initial guidelines, it appears that Mississippi will meet the Maintenance of Effort requirements to be eligible for the $98-million in education jobs funding without having to put any additional state dollars into K-12. The final guidelines, which are not yet available, will provide the clarification necessary to make the final determination about the Maintenance of Effort. See the initial guidelines. Read Secretary Duncan's letter to governors.
The FMAP portion of the bill will provide approximately $151-million in Medicaid savings to Mississippi. We have not yet received final word on how that funding will be re-appropriated at the state level. K-12 education could receive as much as $82-million. Read more.
posted 8/17/10
The U.S. Department of Education has released the initial federal guidelines for the FMAP/Education Jobs bill that passed the U.S. Congress last week. Based upon the information in the initial guidelines, it appears that Mississippi will meet the Maintenance of Effort requirements to be eligible for the $98-million in education jobs funding without having to put any additional state dollars into K-12. The final guidelines, which are not yet available, will provide the clarification necessary to make the final determination about the Maintenance of Effort. See the initial guidelines. Read Secretary Duncan's letter to governors.
The FMAP portion of the bill will provide approximately $151-million in Medicaid savings to Mississippi. We have not yet received final word on how that funding will be re-appropriated at the state level. K-12 education could receive as much as $82-million. Read more.
First Lady Marsha Barbour Invites Students to Participate
In Ornament Design Contest
posted 8/19/10
First Lady Marsha Barbour is inviting 6th- through 9th-grade students in Mississippi's Appalachian Regionto participate in a Christmas Ornament Design Contest. Art teachers are asked to encourage students' participation. Monetary prizes will be awarded, and winners will be treated to a reception at the Governor's Mansion. See First Lady's Letter. See Contest Guidelines.
Governor Barbour to apply for $98-million In
Federal Education Jobs Funding
posted 8/10/10 7:00 p.m.
Late this afternoon, Governor Barbour announced that he will apply for the $98-million in education jobs funding included in the legislation recently passed by the U.S. Congress. There had been some question about whether additional state funding would be required in order for Mississippi to meet the Maintenance of Effort provisions necessary to qualify for the funding. No additional state funding is necessary, and the state budget will not need to be adjusted in order to meet the requirements. Mississippi meets the Maintenance of Effort requirements with the current budget as-is. The U.S. Department of Education has said that its goal is to get the funding to states within two weeks of the state making application for them. The funds will flow to local school districts based upon the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) formula. Deistricts can use the funds to retain, rehire, or hire new instructional and support personnel.
Mississippi Department of Education Releases State Test Scores
posted 8/20/10
The Mississippi Department of Education has released the most recent round of state test scores. Students and teachers are showing improvement, but work remains to be done to ensure that all students reach their potential. We appreciate the hard work teachers are doing to move our children forward!
State test scores will help to determine school and school district accountability ratings which will be announced in September. Click here to find the test scores for the state and for your school district. Click here to read the press release issued by the Mississippi Department of Education.
State Agency Budget Hearings Scheduled
posted 8/30/10
Mississippi's state agencies will present their budget requests to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee in September. The budget hearing for the Mississippi Department of Education is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2010, in the Joint Legislative Budget Committee Conference Room on the first floor of the Woolfolk Building across from the Capitol in Jackson. Budget hearings are open to the public. For a complete schedule of all state agencies' budget hearings, click here.
posted 8/20/10
The Mississippi Department of Education has released the most recent round of state test scores. Students and teachers are showing improvement, but work remains to be done to ensure that all students reach their potential. We appreciate the hard work teachers are doing to move our children forward!
State test scores will help to determine school and school district accountability ratings which will be announced in September. Click here to find the test scores for the state and for your school district. Click here to read the press release issued by the Mississippi Department of Education.
State Agency Budget Hearings Scheduled
posted 8/30/10
Mississippi's state agencies will present their budget requests to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee in September. The budget hearing for the Mississippi Department of Education is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2010, in the Joint Legislative Budget Committee Conference Room on the first floor of the Woolfolk Building across from the Capitol in Jackson. Budget hearings are open to the public. For a complete schedule of all state agencies' budget hearings, click here.
FMAP Funds to be Carried Forward to FY12
posted 8/31/10
Governor Barbour issued a statement this afternoon indicating that the leadership of both the House and Senate have agreed to carry forward to the next fiscal year, FY2012, the $127-million in state funding that was freed up by the FMAP legislation recently passed by the U.S. Congress. The Mississippi Legislature passed in the 2010 Regular Session of the Legislature an alternate budget that was to take effect if such legislation was passed. The alternate budget laid out in HB1059 would have sent $82-million in additional funding to our public schools for use in the current year. It appears that those funds will now be carried over to be appropriated in the next legislative session. Click here to read Governor Barbour's statement.
The Parents' Campaign Urges Leaders to Enact Alternate Budget
posted 9/1/10
The Parents' Campaign has issued a statement calling on Mississippi's state legislative leaders to enact the alternate budget provided for in HB1059. Governor Barbour issued a statement yesterday indicating that House & Senate leaders had agreed to place into Mississippi's Rainy Day Fund the state funds relieved by Congress's FMAP legislation rather than re-appropriating them as promised during the 2010 Regular Legislative Session. K-12 would have received an additional $82-million under the alternatebudget. Read more.
Cindy White Joins The Parents' Campaign
posted 9/8/10
The Parents' Campaign welcomes Cindy White, who has joined our staff as Director of Communications and Member Services. Cindy will be handling our media relations and working with our "Generals" - our lead volunteers in communities across the state - to expand our reach and enhance our programs. She comes to us from a Jackson-based advertising and public relations firm, where she managed award-winning campaigns for a variety of for-profit companies and non-profit organizations. Cindy is married to an educator and has a daughter in public school. Read more
posted 9/8/10
The Parents' Campaign welcomes Cindy White, who has joined our staff as Director of Communications and Member Services. Cindy will be handling our media relations and working with our "Generals" - our lead volunteers in communities across the state - to expand our reach and enhance our programs. She comes to us from a Jackson-based advertising and public relations firm, where she managed award-winning campaigns for a variety of for-profit companies and non-profit organizations. Cindy is married to an educator and has a daughter in public school. Read more
Governor Submits Application for Federal Education Jobs Funding
posted 9/9/10
Governor Barbour hs submitted Mississippi's application for the Federal Education Jobs Funding
made available in a bill passed by the U.S. Congress last month. The application deadline was today. U.S. Department of Education officials say that the money should flow to Mississippi within a few weeks. Twenty-five states have already had their applilcations approved.
posted 9/9/10
Governor Barbour hs submitted Mississippi's application for the Federal Education Jobs Funding
made available in a bill passed by the U.S. Congress last month. The application deadline was today. U.S. Department of Education officials say that the money should flow to Mississippi within a few weeks. Twenty-five states have already had their applilcations approved.
School Consolidation Report Released
posted 9/10/10
Governor Barbour released today the recommendations made by the Commission on Mississippi Educational Structure, the commission appointed to study school district consolidation. Click hereto read the governor's press release about the Commission's recommendation.
posted 9/10/10
Governor Barbour released today the recommendations made by the Commission on Mississippi Educational Structure, the commission appointed to study school district consolidation. Click hereto read the governor's press release about the Commission's recommendation.
Four Mississippi Schools Named Blue Ribbon Schools
posted 9/10/10
Four Mississippi schools were recently named Blue Ribbon Schools, a national recognition honoring public and private K-12 schools that are either cademically superior in their states or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. Mississippi's Blue Ribbon Schools are:
Kosciusko Middle School - Kosciusko School District
Madison Station Elementary School - Madison County School District
Nichols Elementary School (closed last year) - Biloxi Public School District
Southeast Lauderdale High School - Lauderdale County School District
Congratulations to the educators, students, and parents in these outstanding schools!
posted 9/10/10
Four Mississippi schools were recently named Blue Ribbon Schools, a national recognition honoring public and private K-12 schools that are either cademically superior in their states or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. Mississippi's Blue Ribbon Schools are:
Kosciusko Middle School - Kosciusko School District
Madison Station Elementary School - Madison County School District
Nichols Elementary School (closed last year) - Biloxi Public School District
Southeast Lauderdale High School - Lauderdale County School District
Congratulations to the educators, students, and parents in these outstanding schools!
School and School District Accountability Ratings Announced
posted 9/10/10
The Mississippi Department of Education has released school and school district accountability ratings for 2010, and the ratings show improvement over last year's results. More schools received the highest rating of Star School and Star District, and fewer received the lowest designation of Failing. This year, 58% of Mississippi schools are rated successful, high performing or star schools - an improvement over the 49% that received that designation last year. The rating system was built to measure schools' progress toward the more rigorous curriculum standards that were adopted in 2007.
posted 9/10/10
The Mississippi Department of Education has released school and school district accountability ratings for 2010, and the ratings show improvement over last year's results. More schools received the highest rating of Star School and Star District, and fewer received the lowest designation of Failing. This year, 58% of Mississippi schools are rated successful, high performing or star schools - an improvement over the 49% that received that designation last year. The rating system was built to measure schools' progress toward the more rigorous curriculum standards that were adopted in 2007.
Click here to learn more about the accountability rating system and to learn how your district and your schools are rated this year.
Click here to read the Mississippi Department of Education's news release about the 2010 accountability ratings.
MDE Makes Budget Request, Reports Teacher Layoffs
posted 9/21/10
The Mississippi Department of Education and the Mississippi State Board of Education have presented to the Legislative Budget Committee K-12's budget request for FY2012, the coming fiscal year. The State Board of Education is requesting full funding of the Mississippi Adequate Education Program and restoration of the $38-million in ad valorem tax reduction funding that was cut from the current-year budget. Click here to read more about the State Board's request.
In discussing the effects of budget cuts, State Superintendent Dr. Tom Burnham noted that school districts report having to lay off 2,060 personnel, including 704 certified teachers and 792 teacher assistants (see more). The number of layoffs does not include retirements or other positions lost as a result of attrition, so the effect on class size and student achievement is likely even more significant than these numbers imply.
Congratulations to the students, teachers, leaders and parents in these outstanding schools! Click here to read more about the Lighthouse School Leader Awards.
posted 9/21/10
The Mississippi Department of Education and the Mississippi State Board of Education have presented to the Legislative Budget Committee K-12's budget request for FY2012, the coming fiscal year. The State Board of Education is requesting full funding of the Mississippi Adequate Education Program and restoration of the $38-million in ad valorem tax reduction funding that was cut from the current-year budget. Click here to read more about the State Board's request.
In discussing the effects of budget cuts, State Superintendent Dr. Tom Burnham noted that school districts report having to lay off 2,060 personnel, including 704 certified teachers and 792 teacher assistants (see more). The number of layoffs does not include retirements or other positions lost as a result of attrition, so the effect on class size and student achievement is likely even more significant than these numbers imply.
MSBA Names Lighthouse School Leaders
posted 10/1/10
The Mississippi School Boards Association has named the following school districts Lighthouse School Leaders:
posted 10/1/10
The Mississippi School Boards Association has named the following school districts Lighthouse School Leaders:
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Biloxi |
Booneville |
|
Clinton |
Corinth |
|
DeSoto County |
Enterprise |
|
Greenwood (Bankston Elementary) |
Gulfport |
|
Hancock County |
Harrison County |
|
Kosciusko |
Lamar County |
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Long Beach |
Madison County |
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Ocean Springs |
Oxford |
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Pass Christian |
Petal |
|
Pontotoc City |
Tishomingo County |
Congratulations to the students, teachers, leaders and parents in these outstanding schools! Click here to read more about the Lighthouse School Leader Awards.
Fear Stops Here Campaign Targets Bullying
posted 10/26/10
The Mississippi Department of Education and the Mississippi Attorney General's Office have teamed up to target bullying in Mississippi schools. Click here to learn more about their campaign to ensure that all Mississippi schools provide a safe learning environment for our children. The campaign website, www.fearstopshere.com, contains a collection of state and national anti-bullying resources for parents, students and teachers.
posted 10/26/10
The Mississippi Department of Education and the Mississippi Attorney General's Office have teamed up to target bullying in Mississippi schools. Click here to learn more about their campaign to ensure that all Mississippi schools provide a safe learning environment for our children. The campaign website, www.fearstopshere.com, contains a collection of state and national anti-bullying resources for parents, students and teachers.
Pascagoula Named One of 100 Best Communities for Young People
posted 10/27/10
Congratulations to the Pascagoula School District and the entire Pascagoula community for being named one of the nation's "100 Best Communities for Young People" by America's Promise Alliance and ING, a global financial services company. The Pascagoula School District nominated the city for the award. Click here to read more about this honor and the wonderful things being done in the community to make Pascagoula a terrific place for children to live and learn.
posted 10/27/10
Congratulations to the Pascagoula School District and the entire Pascagoula community for being named one of the nation's "100 Best Communities for Young People" by America's Promise Alliance and ING, a global financial services company. The Pascagoula School District nominated the city for the award. Click here to read more about this honor and the wonderful things being done in the community to make Pascagoula a terrific place for children to live and learn.
School District Annual Reports Released
posted 11/12/10
The Mississippi Department of Education has released school districts' Annual Reports as required by the Children First Act of 2009. The reports provide school district accountability and financial information. Click here to view your district's report and to compare it to the Annual Reports of other districts.
Legislative Budget Committee Agrees to Level Funding
posted 11/17/10
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee has agreed tentatively to recommend level funding for next year for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) and to near-level funding for all of K-12 and other state agencies. The committee adopted a revenue baseline and will meet again on December 8th to adopt its official appropriation recommendation. The Legislative Budget Recommendation is considered a starting point for the State Legislature's budget debate that will begin officially when the Legislature convenes in January. Please join me in thanking the members of the Legislative Budget Committee for their support.
Legislative Budget Committee Adopts Budget Recommendation
posted 12/13/10
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee has formally adopted its Legislative Budget Recommendation for the 2011-2012 year, including level funding for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) and near-level funding for all of K-12 and other state agencies. The Legislative Budget Recommendation is considered a starting point for the State Legislature's budget debate that will begin when the Legislature convenes in January. Level funding, though better than additional cuts, is far from full funding. If the full Legislature appropriates level funding, schools will continue to deal with the massive budget shortfalls they are currently experiencing. Read more.
posted 11/12/10
The Mississippi Department of Education has released school districts' Annual Reports as required by the Children First Act of 2009. The reports provide school district accountability and financial information. Click here to view your district's report and to compare it to the Annual Reports of other districts.
Governor Barbour Makes Budget Recommendation
posted 11/15/10
Governor Barbour has announced his budget proposals for the coming year, and they include underfunding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program by $296-million, funding that is $65-million below this year's level for the MAEP. He recommends sparing the National Board Certified Teacher Program and the Chickasaw Cession Interest Payment, but recommends cutting other areas of the education budget by 8%.
Legislative Budget Committee Debating Recommendation
House Proposes Level School Funding, Senate Proposes More Cuts
posted 11/15/10
The Legislative Budget Committee (LBC) adjourned last week's meeting without an agreement, due in part to a disagreement about funding for K-12 education. The House members of the LBC are pushing for level funding while the Senate members propose funding K-12 at $109-million below this year's level. Cuts of that magnitude would be devastating to schools. Read more.
Please tell the Senate members of the Legislative Budget Committee to
STOP THE CUTS TO EDUCATION!
posted 11/15/10
Governor Barbour has announced his budget proposals for the coming year, and they include underfunding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program by $296-million, funding that is $65-million below this year's level for the MAEP. He recommends sparing the National Board Certified Teacher Program and the Chickasaw Cession Interest Payment, but recommends cutting other areas of the education budget by 8%.
Legislative Budget Committee Debating Recommendation
House Proposes Level School Funding, Senate Proposes More Cuts
posted 11/15/10
The Legislative Budget Committee (LBC) adjourned last week's meeting without an agreement, due in part to a disagreement about funding for K-12 education. The House members of the LBC are pushing for level funding while the Senate members propose funding K-12 at $109-million below this year's level. Cuts of that magnitude would be devastating to schools. Read more.
Please tell the Senate members of the Legislative Budget Committee to
STOP THE CUTS TO EDUCATION!
Legislative Budget Committee Agrees to Level Funding
posted 11/17/10
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee has agreed tentatively to recommend level funding for next year for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) and to near-level funding for all of K-12 and other state agencies. The committee adopted a revenue baseline and will meet again on December 8th to adopt its official appropriation recommendation. The Legislative Budget Recommendation is considered a starting point for the State Legislature's budget debate that will begin officially when the Legislature convenes in January. Please join me in thanking the members of the Legislative Budget Committee for their support.
Legislative Budget Committee Adopts Budget Recommendation
posted 12/13/10
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee has formally adopted its Legislative Budget Recommendation for the 2011-2012 year, including level funding for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) and near-level funding for all of K-12 and other state agencies. The Legislative Budget Recommendation is considered a starting point for the State Legislature's budget debate that will begin when the Legislature convenes in January. Level funding, though better than additional cuts, is far from full funding. If the full Legislature appropriates level funding, schools will continue to deal with the massive budget shortfalls they are currently experiencing. Read more.