MS HB859

Requires state payments to charter schools over the charter term to be based on enrollment projections set forth in the charter contract, with reconciliation and adjustments made annually based on actual average daily attendance.

Changes local school district payments to charter schools from a per-pupil basis to an amount based on the previous year's enrollment data and ad valorem receipts, calculated by dividing the district's average daily membership into total ad valorem and in-lieu receipts.

Requires school districts to pay the calculated amount to charter schools by January 16 of the current fiscal year, with state withholding of Adequate Education Program funds from non-compliant districts and direct transfer of those funds to charter schools.

Requires state payments to charter schools from both state and district sources to be made at the same time and in the same manner as adequate education program payments to school districts.