MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Education; Appropriations

By: Representatives Clarke, Banks, Blackmon, Bozeman, Broomfield, Chaney, Coleman (29th), Ellzey, Evans, Fredericks, Henderson (9th), Henderson (26th), Holden, Huddleston, Markham, Martinson, Middleton, Miller, Reeves, Shows, Simpson, Smith (39th), Straughter, Thomas, Wallace, Watson

AN ACT TO PROVIDE AN ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS UNDER THE MINIMUM EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS; TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS IN EACH SUBSEQUENT FISCAL YEAR UNTIL EACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HAS EMPLOYED AT LEAST ONE PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR; TO AUTHORIZE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS TO ASSIGN PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS TO PARTICULAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS; 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, in addition to other funds allotted under the minimum education program, each school district shall be allotted sufficient funding to employ one (1) physical education instructor, with funding for an additional physical education instructor to be allotted per fiscal year until each elementary school in the school district has one (1) state-funded physical education instructor. However, until the time that there is a physical education instructor in every elementary school at a ratio of 1:150 or greater, the annual appropriation for elementary physical education instructors shall not be reduced.

(2) The State Department of Education may increase the number of positions funded each year beyond the above requirements as money is made available.

(3) The assignment of the physical education instructors to the particular elementary schools shall be at the discretion of the local school district.

(4) To qualify for minimum program funding, physical education instructors shall be full-time professional personnel, shall spend at least seventy-five percent (75%) of work time in an instructional relationship with pupils, and shall devote no more than one-fourth (1/4) of the work day to administrative activities.

(5) Nothing in this act shall prohibit any school district from employing with local funds more elementary school physical education instructors than are provided for in this act.

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