MS HB225

Establishes the Small School District Equipment, Maintenance and Infrastructure Grant Fund (DEMI Grant) to provide grants to school districts with 4,500 or fewer enrolled students experiencing budget shortfalls.

Appropriates $2,000,000 for the fund's initial establishment in fiscal year 2017, with administration by the State Department of Education.

Grants may be used to purchase essential equipment, conduct maintenance on physical plants, and improve infrastructure to maintain safe and orderly school environments.

Individual school districts are limited to a one-time grant of no more than $150,000, with awards based on cost efficiencies, debt reduction, or other measures that significantly reduce district costs.

Grant applications must include a plan and may require a cost analysis study; the fund consists of legislative appropriations plus any gifts or grants from public or private entities, with unencumbered balances remaining in the fund at fiscal year-end.