MS SB2361

Establishes the Mississippi Modified School Calendar Grant Program administered by the Department of Education to offset costs for school districts adopting or maintaining non-traditional calendars with shortened summers and distributed breaks throughout the year.

Provides school districts maximum grants of $200,000 per year for up to 3 years, with eligibility including districts that implemented modified calendars by the 2023-2024 academic year or in the prior three academic years.

Allows grant funds to be used for transportation, certified and noncertified staff during intercessions, remediation and enrichment programs, and utilities, but prohibits use for land purchases, facility construction, or debt satisfaction.

Requires the Department of Education to develop application procedures within two months and award grants beginning July 1, 2023, with applications including district rationale, community support evidence, detailed budgets, and calendar plans with intercession activities.

Creates a special "Mississippi Modified School Calendar Grant Fund" in the State Treasury with unexpended amounts carrying over annually, and mandates annual reports to legislative leadership on fund use and effectiveness by October 1 each year.