Senate Bill 2279

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH AND PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE MISSISSIPPI ADEQUATE EDUCATION PROGRAM (MAEP)FORMULA REVIEW COMMISSION TO DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POTENTIAL REVISIONS TO THE MAEP FORMULA AND BUDGET; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) There is hereby created the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) Formula Review Commission to review the way MAEP budgets are calculated and to make recommendations for potential revisions to those calculations as the commission deems appropriate. In conducting such review, the commission shall seek to determine the educational programs and services necessary to achieve the state's educational goals and to prepare students to achieve passing scores on statewide assessment examinations. The review shall include, but not limited to, those components of the MAEP formula created pursuant to Section 37-151-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, and subsequent changes made to the MAEP budget by law. In addition, the commission shall seek to determine and recommend measures to promote the adoption of methods in which resources can be most effectively utilized and consider various models of efficient and effective resource allocation, with emphasis on the rising costs of school district health insurance and special education. In carrying out the review, the State Department of Education shall provide to the commission any data and information the commission considers relevant to its charge.

(2) The Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) Formula Review Commission shall be composed of:

(a) The Chairmen of the Senate and House Education Committees who shall serve as co-chairs;

(b) The Chairmen of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees;

(d) The Chairman of the State Board of Education;

(e) The Governor or his designee; and

(f) Three (3) members to be appointed by the Governor, including one (1) member of a local school board, one (1) classroom teacher and one (1) school business official. Appointments shall be made within thirty (30) days after passage of this act, and within fifteen (15) days thereafter on a day to be designated by the co-chairmen, the commission shall meet and organize by selecting a vice chairman who shall also serve as secretary and shall be responsible for keeping all records of the commission. A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum, and for the adoption of rules and reports, an affirmative vote of a majority of the commission shall be required. All members shall be notified in writing or electronically of all meetings at least five (5) days prior to the date on which a meeting is to be held.

(3) Before finalizing its recommendations, the commission shall conduct public hearings in regions of the state and shall solicit input from the public who may offer comments or further recommendations for the commission's consideration.

(4) The commission shall file its report on or before December 1, 2016. The report shall be made to the Legislature, the Governor and the State Board of Education and shall include any necessary recommendations for legislation to revise the current MAEP formula. The commission may decide to continue in existence for a period not to exceed four (4) years and make additional recommendations to the Legislature regarding revisions to the MAEP formula in order to receive additional information.

(5) The commission is authorized to apply for grants and to accept money from any public or private source, to be expended in implementing its duties under this section. The commission is empowered to utilize staff employed by the State Department of Education and any other staff assistance made available to it.

(6) Members of the commission who are not legislators shall be reimbursed as authorized by Section 25-3-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, for mileage and actual expense incurred in the performance of their duties. No commission member may incur travel or other expenses unless previously authorized by vote of the commission. Legislative members of the commission shall be paid form the contingent expense funds to their respective houses in the same amounts as provided for committee meetings when the Legislature is not in Session.

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