MS SB2301

Increases the minimum annual salary for assistant teachers from Fourteen Thousand Dollars ($14,000.00) to Sixteen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($16,500.00) effective for the 2021-2022 school year and thereafter.

Maintains existing provisions requiring school districts to employ assistant teachers in kindergarten and grades 1-3 to help instruct basic skills under a licensed teacher's supervision.

Establishes that no school district may dismiss assistant teachers to use the allotment for employing licensed teachers, allowing only natural attrition to reduce assistant teacher positions.

Retains the salary maintenance requirement that no assistant teacher shall receive less than the prior school year's amount, and districts cannot reduce local contributions below previous year levels.

Takes effect July 1, 2021.