MS HB149

Establishes the Motivating Parents and Children (M.P.A.C.) pilot program in six school districts (three urban, three rural) selected by the State Superintendent with State Board of Education approval to coordinate school and support services for at-risk children with mandatory parental involvement.

Requires participating districts to employ a District M.P.A.C. Program Coordinator and three home-school coordinators, and implement family support services based on the Communities In Schools model including parenting classes, adult literacy programs, after-school care, and peer mediation.

Mandates that parents in M.P.A.C. districts attend conferences, parenting classes, and school functions when summoned by school officials, with scheduling accommodating work hours and transportation needs; parents failing to comply must attend parenting classes or face misdemeanor charges and up to $250 fine.

Authorizes driver's license suspension for one year for any minor under 18 in M.P.A.C. districts who withdraws from school or is suspended, and exempts such minors from the $25 license reinstatement fee.

Effective July 1, 2010, with grant recipients to be selected before July 1, 2011, for programs beginning in the 2011-2012 school year.