MS SB2398

Establishes the Opportunity Scholarship Program beginning in the 2018-2019 school year to provide scholarships to low-income children (household income up to 1.3 times federal poverty line) and students with disabilities to attend nonresident public schools or participating nonprofit nonpublic schools.

Phases in program eligibility over three years: Year 1 (2018-2019) limited to students attending persistently lowest achieving schools, kindergarteners, and students with disabilities; Year 2 (2019-2020) expands to all low-income students in persistently lowest achieving school attendance boundaries; Year 3 (2020-2021) available statewide with $25 million cap for students outside lowest-achieving school zones.

Sets scholarship amount equal to 100% of the state's share of the resident school district's per-pupil revenue, with school districts receiving 50% of normal funding in the first year and 100% reduction in the second consecutive year when students leave.

Creates a three-member Education Opportunity Board appointed by the Governor to administer the program, establish guidelines, verify applicant eligibility, and issue annual reports to the Governor and Legislature.

Establishes optional local scholarship program funded by individual school districts, public school choice demonstration grants (up to $500,000 per district), and middle-income scholarship program (beginning 2019-2020) for families earning up to 3 times federal poverty line.