MS SB2345

Increases minimum salary for assistant teachers from $12,500 to $16,500 per school year, effective for the 2015-2016 school year and thereafter.

Requires school districts to employ assistant teachers funded under the Minimum Education Program to assist in kindergarten and grades 1-3 under the supervision of licensed teachers.

Mandates school districts implement reading improvement programs, educational accountability plans, staff training, and program evaluations to receive assistant teacher funding.

Allows school districts to use assistant teacher funding to employ licensed teachers instead, provided it reduces the teacher-student ratio in kindergarten through grade 3.

Prohibits school districts from dismissing assistant teachers to hire licensed teachers; reductions must occur through normal attrition only.