JACKSON – A bill that would allow for charter schools to be brought into rural parts of Mississippi has passed the Senate, and heads to the House for consideration.
This bill would allow students to cross district lines to attend a charter school.
“Public charter schools can offer students an opportunity for academic success, and I believe all of Mississippi should have the ability to attract these schools,” said. Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “By allowing students to cross district boundaries, public charter schools can build the capacity to operate effective campuses wherever there is demand from families.”
This bill also allows teachers at charter schools to participate in the PERS program, and prevents lower scoring school districts from keeping charter schools from their area.
Currently, Mississippi has two public charter schools in Jackson. Both schools have waiting lists for enrollment due to overwhelming interest from parents and students. Public charter schools successfully operate in several rural communities, including the Arkansas Delta and in Tennessee.
