MS HB1218

Grants school districts discretionary authority to determine how to spend Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) state allocations (excluding vocational, special education, and gifted program funds) during the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 school years.

Requires the State Department of Education to allocate MAEP funds as a lump sum to each school district, with restrictions on spending for vocational, special education, and gifted programs that must follow state and federal law.

Prohibits school districts from using discretionary authority to pay teachers salaries other than those specified in Section 37-19-7 and does not affect local funding requirements for MAEP.

Repeals the discretionary spending provision on July 1, 2012, returning to standard MAEP restrictions.

Amends Section 37-151-8 to clarify that at-risk fund requirements apply except during the period when discretionary spending authority is in effect.