MS HB1398

Increases the optional annual salary for local school board members from an unspecified amount to $6,000.00, with members able to choose between this salary or $67.00 per diem for up to 36 meetings per fiscal year.

Removes the prohibition on salaried school board members from joining the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), allowing them to become eligible for PERS membership.

School board members who miss 20% or more of meetings in a calendar year (excluding military duty absences) must reimburse the school district a proportionate portion of their annual salary based on meetings missed.

Local school board presidents must submit an annual report to the State Board of Education by February 1 identifying any members who missed 20% or more of meetings during the preceding calendar year.

Effective date contingent on approval under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965; takes effect July 1, 2011, or upon later effectuation under the Voting Rights Act.