TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Mississippi Senate Education Committee passed a bill (SB 2161) that would amend the Mississippi Charter Schools Act of 2013. Sponsored by Senate Education Committee Chair Gray Tollison, the legislation would give more students the ability to attend a charter school.

“Mississippi’s parents and their children deserve a high-quality education that meets the learning needs of the children. Charter schools can provide an innovative pathway to meet those needs. Expanding the Charter Schools Act would provide significant opportunities for a life-changing education to the children of Mississippi,” said ExcelinEd in Action National Legislative Director J. Alex Kelly.

“We thank the Senate Committee members for their support in building educational opportunities for all Mississippi families.”

The bill will move to the Senate Floor for a vote.

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About SB 2161: 

• Charter schools would be open to any student within the state of Mississippi.
• Conversion charter schools would have the option to lease or buy the school district facility housing the conversion charter school.
• The legislation offers other technical changes regarding funding, teacher retirement and academic standards.

Background on Charters:

• As defined in federal and state law, charter schools are public schools.
• Like traditional public schools, charters are tuition free and open to all students; publicly funded by local, state, and federal tax dollars based on enrollment; and held accountable for meeting state academic standards.
• Charters are approved, funded, and overseen by a government-endorsed authorizing entity, just as traditional public schools are overseen by a school district.

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