AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-161-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE CREATION OF VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO BE OPERATED BY LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS, REGIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE AGENCIES OR LOCALLY SPONSORED VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS; TO DEFINE THE TERM "LOCALLY SPONSORED VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOL"; TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS ESTABLISHED IN THE STATE TO THREE; TO REQUIRE ENROLLMENT IN A VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOL TO BE FREE OF CHARGE AND OPEN TO STUDENTS FROM ANY SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE STATE; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO TRANSFER, FOR EACH STUDENT ENROLLED IN A VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOL OPERATED BY A DISTRICT OTHER THAN THAT IN WHICH THE STUDENT RESIDES, AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE STUDENT'S HOME SCHOOL DISTRICT'S LOCAL OPERATIONAL TAX LEVY TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OPERATING THE VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOL; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO WITHHOLD SUCH AMOUNT FROM THE TRANSFERRING SCHOOL DISTRICT'S JANUARY PAYMENT OF ADEQUATE EDUCATION PROGRAM FUNDS; TO REQUIRE LOCALLY SPONSORED VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO ADOPT CERTAIN ENROLLMENT POLICIES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 37-179-1 AND 37-179-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH ARE PROVISIONS RELATING TO DISTRICTS OF INNOVATION, IN CONFORMITY TO THE PRECEDING PROVISIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
If enacted, the bill will amend Section 37-161-3 of the Mississippi Code of 1972. It will facilitate the creation of a Mississippi Virtual Public School Program aimed at transforming online education. This will not only broaden the scope of educational options available to students but is intended to address the challenges of the achievement gap between high and low-performing students. Importantly, the State Department of Education will oversee these programs, ensuring that they maintain the same standards and resources as traditional public schools.
Summary
House Bill 618 proposes the establishment of locally sponsored virtual public schools in Mississippi, allowing local school districts and regional education agencies to operate online educational programs. Under this legislation, a total of three virtual public schools can be created, which will be free of charge for students. The goal is to provide additional educational options to families, particularly for students attending low-performing schools, in an effort to improve academic achievement across the state. It emphasizes using technology and existing resources to enhance educational opportunities for at-risk students.
Contention
Despite the bill's potential benefits, it raises several points of contention among stakeholders in the educational community. Critics have voiced concerns that these virtual public schools may draw funding away from traditional schools, exacerbating existing financial challenges. Additionally, there are worries regarding the accountability and quality of education provided through such programs, particularly in terms of monitoring student engagement and achievement. The provision for private providers to manage these schools has also sparked discussion about the appropriateness of outsourcing educational services.