MS HB77

Prohibits school board members, superintendents, principals, teachers, coaches, and administrative staff from attempting to change, alter, or affect student grades except through formal written procedures for documented errors or inconsistencies with grading policy.

Requires the State Department of Education to immediately suspend accreditation of schools or districts upon presentation of sufficient evidence of grade falsification violations, which revokes participation in extracurricular activities.

Establishes a three-tier appeal process: accused parties have 30 days to respond to complaints before a reviewing officer decides; either party may appeal to the State Board of Education for a full evidentiary hearing; final appeals proceed to circuit court and potentially the Mississippi Supreme Court.

Mandates that any willful violation of state law or the Mississippi Constitution by school personnel results in immediate loss of accreditation, with accused schools entitled to due process hearings.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.