MS HB1035

Creates a pilot program allowing up to three public school districts or regional education service agencies to establish virtual public schools beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, with districts having 18 months to launch after receiving notification or losing their slot.

Requires pilot virtual public schools to be free to enroll and open to students statewide, delivering synchronous and asynchronous instruction via internet in a virtual or remote setting.

Directs the State Department of Education to transfer funds from a student's home district to the operating district equal to the home district's local operational tax levy per pupil, with amounts deducted from the home district's January Adequate Education Program payment.

Mandates pilot virtual public school sponsors adopt enrollment policies including application timelines, notice requirements, waiting list procedures, parental hearing rights, and engagement/removal procedures with fair warnings.

Authorizes the Governor's Office to appoint a state board to sponsor one additional virtual public school (outside the three-slot limit) to serve students statewide, and allows students accepted to a pilot virtual public school to legally transfer from their home district regardless of residency.