MS SB2160

Amends Mississippi's teacher salary schedule to increase the starting base teacher salary to $40,000 over a five-year period, with the 2023-2024 school year showing a starting salary of $40,000 for the lowest classification (A license with 0-2 years experience).

Requires that beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, teacher salaries must at minimum equal the southeastern regional average salary for certified teachers and administrators, with annual adjustments thereafter.

Establishes new minimum salary schedules for school years 2019-2020 through 2023-2024 that progressively increase teacher compensation across all license levels (AAAA, AAA, AA, A) and experience levels.

Maintains existing provisions for salary supplements of $6,000 annually for teachers with National Board certification and other specialized credentials, plus additional $4,000 supplement for Master Teachers in specified economically distressed counties.

Takes effect July 1, 2019, establishing the framework for the gradual salary increases leading to the southeastern regional average benchmark by the 2024-2025 school year.