Issues - Education
Since the 2007 session of the Mississippi Legislature ended there’s been a lot of talk about education. Governor Barbour wants you to have the facts so you can help spread the message of real accomplishments on the education front. Here’s what we know:
· During the Barbour Administration, K-12 spending has increased by more than $529 million – the biggest increase in K-12 spending in any four year period in state history.
· The budget approved for this school year:
§ Increases K-12 spending by $210 million. We are spending more than $8000/student in state, local and federal funds – the highest in state history!
§ Fully funds the Department of Education’s request for the MAEP formula – the first time in state history!
§ Gives our teachers a 3% pay raise for our teachers so our average teacher pay is more than $42,000 – the highest in state history!
§ Funds a “High School Redesign” program for dropout prevention.
Unfortunately, because some Democrats in the House of Representatives objected, these initiatives were not funded: a new dyslexia screening program for K-3 students; a mentor program for new middle school teachers to help them better manage classroom discipline; new programs for early childhood education. These will be top priorities in the next legislative session.
· The Legislature built on the Governor’s UpGrade reform proposals so we can get better results for the money we spend. The Legislature approved new physical activity standards for K-8 students because healthy kids will have fewer discipline problems and will learn more.
· For this year, the Legislature approved $40 million more for community colleges. Since Governor Barbour took office, support for community colleges has increased $90 million, or 52%. During the four years before Governor Barbour took office, the community colleges’ budget was cut 16%.
· Also for this year, state support for universities is increasing $97.5 million. Since Governor Barbour took office, support for our universities has increased $191 million, or 32%. In the four years before the Barbour Administration, the universities’ budget was cut 7%.