Nonprofit Mississippi News On Thursday, the State Board of Education approved a 10-day waiver for school districts that had either delayed or chosen to delay their start dates. State law requires that districts complete 180 days of school before June 30, each year. This is why school in Mississippi usually starts in August. The waiver will only allow the affected school districts to complete 170 days. On Tuesday, Gov. Tate Reeves gave a mandate to eight counties that are considered hot spots for the coronavirus, Bolivar and Coahoma. He also ordered schools districts in these areas to close their doors by August 17. This is for students in 7-12th grade. This order is applicable to 21 school districts or approximately seven percent of students. This does not require 170 days. They can work for 190 days if they wish. Jason Dean, the Chair of the State Board of Education, stated that if schools have to wait 10 days because of delays, then I will bring it up. Dean stated that only school districts affected by the executive order of the governor or those who were forced to postpone their start dates are eligible for this waiver. The waiver is not available to schools that have started the week or plan to start the week after this week. Today, one-third of our district are beginning and by Monday (August 10), two-thirds of our district are starting. This does not apply if that was your established start date. Dean stated that if you are one of the eight districts included in the executive orders or you have chosen to change your start date on your own, then this applies to you. Dean also stated that he does not see the waiver impacting teacher, administrator, and hourly employee pay. However, that will be discussed at the board’s August 27, meeting. The majority of school districts will open this month. Two opened in July, and 10 are scheduled to open in September. Many districts have opened this week, or will open later in the month. However, several groups including the Mississippi Association of Educators and the Mississippi Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics advocate for a delayed start to Sept. 1.