MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Education; Appropriations

By: Representatives Scott (80th), Bailey, Banks, Bozeman, Broomfield, Clark, Clarke, Coleman (65th), Evans, Middleton, Myers, Smith (27th), Thomas, Thornton, Walker, Watson

AN ACT TO PROVIDE AN ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS UNDER THE MINIMUM EDUCATION PROGRAM TO THE 50 SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVING THE HIGHEST INCIDENCES OF CRIME AND VIOLENCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYING SOCIAL WORKERS; TO DIRECT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DETERMINE WHICH SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHALL RECEIVE SUCH ALLOTMENTS; 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 those school districts designated pursuant to subsection (2) of this section for the purpose of employing a social worker.

(2) The State Department of Education shall designate fifty (50) school districts to receive an allotment for the purpose of employing a social worker. The districts shall be selected by the department according to greatest need, as indicated by records of the State Department of Education and the Division of Youth Services of the Department of Human Services which reflect those school districts having the highest incidences of crime and violence.

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

(4) 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 Department of Education shall specify which license a social worker must hold as a qualification to being employed in a position funded under this section.

(5) 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. School social workers may not devote more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the work day to administrative activities related to their social work.

(6) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a school district from employing social workers with local funds.

(7) The State Department of Education may adopt rules and regulations regarding the activities of the school social workers. School social workers may perform those 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.