MS HB1448

State Department of Education must determine annually by May 1 a uniform percentage of adequate education program funds that all school districts must allocate to direct classroom instruction in the following fiscal year.

Department shall calculate the uniform percentage using financial data from the five highest-performing school districts based on state assessment results.

"Direct classroom instruction" includes salaries for classroom teachers (spending at least 60% of school day in scheduled instruction), assistant teachers, and instructional supplies including computers and technology.

Excludes from "direct classroom instruction" professional development, library services, student support services, school administration, food services, transportation, maintenance, and security.

School districts may voluntarily allocate a higher percentage of adequate education program funds to direct classroom instruction than the established uniform percentage.