House Bill 887 Summary

• Beginning in fiscal year 2023, special education program funding shall be appropriated to the State Board of Education as a separate line item in the K-12 education general support appropriations bill, rather than included in add-on program costs.

• The State Board of Education shall allocate special education funds to school districts based on: 100% of the adequate education program salary schedule for each approved special education teacher plus 100% of applicable employer social security and retirement contributions, plus approved new teacher units for instruction and related services.

• School districts must deposit special education funds into a separate account administered by the district special education director or coordinator (or superintendent if no such position exists) and use funds only for instruction, services, equipment, accommodations, and support of exceptional children as required by IDEA and state law.

• Sections 37-151-5, 37-151-7, and 37-151-81 are amended to remove "special education program" from the definition of add-on program costs included in the Mississippi Adequate Education Program appropriations formula.