House Bill 1612

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO CREATE A NEW CODE SECTION 37-4-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD FOR COMMUNITY AND JUNIOR COLLEGES TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF THE STATE FUNDING STRUCTURE FOR COMMUNITY AND JUNIOR COLLEGES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. The following shall be codified as Section 37-4-15, Mississippi Code of 1972:

37-4-15. (1) On or after July 1, 2002, the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges shall contract with a competent management consulting or accounting firm to study the state funding formula for community and junior colleges. The study shall accomplish the following specific outcomes:

(a) Evaluate the validity of the current student classifications used in the funding formula and make recommendations for change in the classification system if advisable;

(b) Evaluate the weights assigned to each student classification and make recommendations for change in the current weights if advisable;

(c) Identify the best management practices associated with the production of graduates in each of the student classifications and use such information as a basis for validating any changes in weights referred to in paragraph (b) of this subsection. The study of best practices shall also identify the amount of state funding that is used in program areas at schools exhibiting the best management practices.

(2) The report also shall recommend to the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges all reporting requirements and systems needed to collect information necessary to maintain a valid system of weights, student classification and the best practices associated with producing graduates most efficiently. All community and junior colleges shall cooperate with the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges in conducting this study and in providing all further information on an annual basis necessary to update the weights for programs established as a result of this study, the best management practices and the student classifications established as a result of this study.

(3) The State Board for Community and Junior Colleges shall report its findings to the Chairs of the House and Senate Education Committees and the House and Senate Appropriations Committees no later than December 15, 2002.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2002.