MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representative Clarke

AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO SUBMIT A REPORT OF ITS FINDINGS TO THE HOUSE AND SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. The State Department of Education shall conduct a study on suspensions and expulsions in the public schools. Before January 1, 2000, the department shall submit a written report to the Education Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate detailing its findings. The report shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:

(a) The total number of students suspended in all public schools in the state during the 1998-1999 school year;

(b) The total number of students suspended in each school district and the number suspended in each grade in that district during the 1998-1999 school year;

(c) The total number of students expelled from all public schools in the state during the 1998-1999 school year;

(d) The total number of students expelled in each school district and the number expelled in each grade in that district during the 1998-1999 school year;

(e) An explanation of the most common reasons that students were suspended during the 1998-1999 school year;

(f) An explanation of the most common reasons that students were expelled during the 1998-1999 school year; and

(g) Recommendations for reducing the number of suspensions and expulsions in the public schools, along with any proposed legislation deemed necessary by the department to implement the recommendations.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.