MS HB44

Establishes a Trimester School Year Pilot Program requiring the State Board of Education to select up to 12 school districts for participation during 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years, with at least one district per congressional district if applications are received.

Requires participating districts to operate schools for at least 225 days per year divided into three trimesters of 75+ days each, with 15-day breaks between trimesters (up to 14 days may be teacher work days).

Mandates a core curriculum for grades 4-12 in participating districts covering Language Arts, Math, Foreign Language, Social Studies, and Science, with standardized testing administered by the State Department of Education.

Increases annual Adequate Education Program funding for participating districts using a formula based on the difference between 225 days and the average attendance days in non-participating districts.

Requires school districts to increase licensed personnel employment contracts from 187 days to at least 232 days for the 2021-2022 school year, with annual salaries adjusted using local or state funds.