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HB 26

Assistant teachers; provide annual salary supplement to those in "C", "D" and "F" school districts.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Omeria Scott

HB 26 would provide annual salary supplements to assistant teachers in lower-performing Mississippi school districts to improve recruitment and retention in under-resourced schools.

Died In Committee
#appropriationsa #education
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Bill Summary · HB 26

Legislative bill overview

HB 26 proposes providing annual salary supplements to assistant teachers working in Mississippi school districts classified as "C", "D", and "F" grades. The bill targets lower-performing school districts as identified by the state's school accountability system. The measure died in committee on February 4, 2025, without advancing to a vote.

Why is this important

Assistant teachers in struggling school districts often earn significantly less than their counterparts in higher-performing districts, contributing to staffing challenges and retention problems in communities that need experienced support staff most. Salary supplements could help recruit and retain qualified personnel in under-resourced schools, potentially improving educational outcomes. The bill also reflects broader policy debates about whether state funding should target equity by supporting schools serving disadvantaged populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and funding source: The bill requires appropriations but no details specify how much this would cost or where funding would come from in a budget-constrained state
  • Definition and stability of district grades: Schools' performance grades can fluctuate year-to-year, creating uncertainty about supplement eligibility and potentially creating perverse incentives
  • Incomplete incentive structure: Supplementing only assistant teachers while potentially neglecting other staff shortages or full teacher compensation could create morale issues or departmental inequities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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