AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE "ROBERT G. CLARK, JR., EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AT ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY, JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY AND MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY" FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO QUALIFYING STUDENTS PURSUING A DEGREE IN EDUCATION, WHO WILL THEN COMMIT TO THE PRACTICE OF TEACHING IN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT ARE DESIGNATED AS GEOGRAPHICAL CRITICAL TEACHER SHORTAGE AREAS BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEANS OF THE ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY, JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY AND MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, RESPECTIVELY, SHALL ADMINISTER THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM; TO CAP THE NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED ANNUALLY; TO LIMIT TO FOUR YEARS DURATION FOR WHICH A STUDENT MAY RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS; TO DEFINE TERMINOLOGY USED IN THE ACT; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEANS OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION OF EACH RESPECTIVE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING DESIGNATED HEREIN TO PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROGRAM WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE RESPECTIVE PRESIDENTS OF ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY, JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY, MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING; TO PRESCRIBE THE MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR RECEIPT OF SCHOLARSHIP, CONTINUED MAINTENANCE OF THE SCHOLARSHIP AND POST PROGRAM COMPLETION OBLIGATIONS AND PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO PERFORM THE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION OF THE SCHOLARSHIP AGREEMENT; TO AUTHORIZE THE ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY, JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY AND MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGES OF EDUCATION TO ACCEPT GIFTS, DONATIONS, BEQUESTS, GRANTS AND ANY OTHER MONIES FROM ANY SOURCE WHATSOEVER TO BE USED FOR THE PURPOSES OF ADMINISTERING THE PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE EACH DEAN TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT WHO RECEIVED SCHOLARSHIPS UNDER THE PROGRAM AND HOW MUCH EACH PERSON RECEIVED, AND THE AMOUNT OF ANY GIFTS, DONATIONS AND OTHER FUNDS RECEIVED AND HOW THOSE FUNDS WERE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The bill's implementation will directly impact the recruitment and retention of teachers in critical shortage areas of Mississippi. By restricting scholarships to students who commit to teaching in these districts, the program is expected to fill gaps in educational staffing, thereby enhancing the quality of education available to students in those regions. The capacity of the program will also be capped, reflecting a measured approach to resource allocation and ensuring that the scholarship funds are directed where they are most needed.
Summary
House Bill 47 establishes the 'Robert G. Clark, Jr. Educational Scholarship Program' at Alcorn State University, Jackson State University, and Mississippi Valley State University. This program aims to provide scholarships for qualifying students who are pursuing a degree in education. Successful candidates must commit to teach in public school districts designated as geographical critical teacher shortage areas by the State Board of Education. The bill is designed to alleviate teacher shortages in specific regions by incentivizing newly qualified educators to work in these underserved areas.
Contention
Noteworthy points of contention regarding HB 47 include the program's potential limitations on non-resident applicants and the implications for students who fail to meet the teaching commitments. Critics may argue that prioritizing Mississippi residents could reduce opportunities for skilled teachers from other states, which could further narrow the applicant pool. Additionally, there are concerns about financial penalties for students who do not fulfill their teaching obligations, as this could discourage potential applicants who fear economic repercussions if they encounter unforeseen circumstances.
Administration
The program will be overseen by the deans of the respective Colleges of Education at each of the universities. They are responsible for establishing rules and criteria for eligibility, selecting scholarship recipients, and submitting annual reports to the legislature detailing the number of awards given and funds received. This governance structure emphasizes transparency and accountability, ensuring that the program's objectives align with the educational needs of the state.