MS SB2031

Authorizes the State Department of Education to distribute school district consolidation incentive grants effective July 1, 2015, to defray transitional costs from administrative consolidation.

Identifies four categories of eligible school districts: North Bolivar Consolidated, West Bolivar Consolidated, Sunflower County School District, and any district consolidating after July 1, 2015.

Provides consolidated districts four years of MAEP funding at the per-student level of the highest-funded pre-consolidation district and four years of grants to equalize teacher salaries across combined districts.

Offers one-time grants to cover negative fund balances transferred to consolidated districts and $4,000 per certified teacher, administrator, and superintendent office staff person.

Distributes grant funds according to adequate education program payment procedures and makes funds subject to legislative appropriation.