MS SB2481

Allows automatic transfer of students attending schools rated "C," "D," or "F" for two consecutive years to schools rated "A" or "B" in the same or adjacent school districts, effective 2017-2018 school year, upon parent or guardian petition.

Makes transportation of transferred students the responsibility of the parent or guardian unless the school districts agree otherwise; prohibits transferee school districts from charging tuition fees to transfer students.

Requires the state to make adequate education program payments to transferee school districts equal to the state share for each transferred student in average daily attendance.

Requires the transferor school district to pay the transferee school district an amount equal to the pro rata ad valorem tax receipts per pupil from the student's home district, calculated and paid before January 16 annually.

Directs proportionate shares of federal and state categorical aid programs (special education, vocational, gifted, alternative school) to transferee schools serving eligible transferred students; allows same-district transfers at superintendent discretion with school board approval.