HB 1177 Summary

• Clarifies disciplinary actions against educators and administrators at Mississippi's four public special purpose schools (School of the Arts, School for the Blind, School for the Deaf, School for Mathematics and Science), with direct appeal of adverse decisions to Chancery Court of the First Judicial District of Hinds County.

• Establishes a due process hearing before the school board for educators or administrators seeking release from their contracts when the board fails to act favorably on the request.

• Requires immediate one-year license suspension for educators who abandon their position or breach their contract after the school board denies their request for release, without first obtaining board approval.

• Amends Section 37-9-57 to change license suspension from "may be suspended" to "shall be suspended" for one year when an educator breaches or abandons employment without being released by the school board.

• Takes effect July 1, 2023.