MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Education; Appropriations

By: Representative Scott (17th)

AN ACT TO PROVIDE AN ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS UNDER THE MINIMUM EDUCATION PROGRAM TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYING SOCIAL WORKERS; TO REQUIRE SOCIAL WORKERS EMPLOYED WITH SUCH FUNDS TO BE APPROPRIATELY LICENSED; TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE ACTIVITIES OF SUCH SOCIAL WORKERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) Beginning with the 1999-2000 school year, the State Department of Education shall allot sufficient funding under the minimum education program to each school district for the purpose of employing a social worker. The social worker in each school district shall not replace any school counselor but shall complement the support services available in the public schools.

(2) The State Department of Education may increase the number of social worker positions funded each year beyond the requirements under subsection (1) as money is made available. Any amount allotted for the purpose of employing social workers in addition to the amount provided for under subsection (1) shall be allocated to school districts on the basis of teacher units.

(3) Any individual employed by a school district with funds allotted pursuant to this section must be appropriately licensed as a social worker under Sections 73-53-1 through 73-53-29. The State Board of Education shall establish the minimum certification that a social worker must hold in order to qualify for employment in a position funded under this section.

(4) To qualify for minimum program funding, school social workers must be full-time professional personnel and must spend at least seventy-five percent (75%) of their work time in a direct relationship with students and, in their discretion, the families of students with whom they are working. School social workers may not devote more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the work day to administrative activities related to their social work.

(5) Each school district is encouraged to annually apply for any available funding, including federal funding, for the purpose of employing school social workers. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a school district from employing additional social workers with nonminimum program funds.

(6) The State Department of Education shall adopt rules and regulations regarding the activities of the school social workers. The rules and regulations shall authorize school social workers to work with students and their families in the home environment of the students and to collaborate with other support service providers working with those families. School social workers may perform any services that are not inconsistent with such rules and regulations.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.