MS SB2248

Amends Mississippi Code Section 37-19-7 to add three new categories of school employees eligible for the $6,000 annual salary supplement plus fringe benefits: licensed occupational therapists with National Board Certification, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) licensed by the Mississippi Autism Board, and licensed school psychologists with proper certification.

Eligible employees must submit certification documentation to the State Department of Education by October 15 for the full annual supplement, or by February 15 for a prorated supplement beginning in the second term.

The supplement is limited to one $6,000 payment per employee regardless of how many qualifying certifications they hold, and is paid directly by the State Department of Education to the school district in addition to regular funding formula allocations.

Maintains existing $6,000 supplement eligibility for National Board certified teachers, school nurses, school counselors, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, certified academic language therapists, and athletic trainers.

Effective date is July 1, 2026.