Nonprofit Mississippi News. In his first defense for a major school bill, Rep. Richard Bennett (R-Long Beach), stayed true to his talking points about how a new formula for education funding would be easier and more equitable for schoolchildren. The House voted Wednesday night to replace the current Mississippi education funding formula with their own, despite numerous concerns and questions from Democrats. Bennett received a surprising number no votes from his fellow Republicans. House Bill 957, also known as the Mississippi Uniform Per Student Funding Formula Act of 2018, was approved by 54 to 66. The majority of the votes were along party lines with 10 Republicans voting against House Bill 957, titled the Mississippi Uniform Per Student Funding Formula Act of 2018. This was because their school districts would lose significant funding once the new formula is implemented. Hattiesburg Republican freshman Chris Johnson said that he voted against this bill because he wasn’t comfortable enough with the numbers in order to understand how it would impact his district. Johnson also stated that his superintendents had concerns. Some of these were addressed, but not all. One concern was the language in the bill that stated 100 percent of the base student costs for dual enrollment students would go to the university or community college where they were enrolled. An amendment was passed by the House on Wednesday, which removed lines in the bill that stated that all funds would go to the community college. Johnson stated, “Let’s just say that I support a new formula that is transparent and equitable. My superintendents would also like to see a more transparent, transparent formula.” Rep. Karl Oliver (R-Winona) voted against the bill as Montgomery County, which he represents is at risk of losing the most money among all the districts. Oliver stated that the bill’s potential structure, although these are only estimates, doesn’t favor his district. It’s quite simple. The bill was authored by Speaker Philip Gunn. It replaces the Mississippi Adequate Educational Program (MAEP). For every student in grades K-12, the base cost of $4,800 is. Districts are eligible for additional funding called weights. This money is available to students with special education diagnoses, low income status, gifted students, and age. High school students receive $6,240. Special education students would be eligible for weighted funding, ranging from $7,680 up to $8,160, depending on their diagnosis. A provision in the bill provides that school districts that lose money due to the new formula will not be affected for two years. Gunn stated that the current funding formula was almost 20 years old and does not reflect the 21st century classroom. Gunn stated that the House collaborated with Lt. Gov. The bill was drafted by Tate Reeves, the Senate and the Senate. When asked by Reeves’ staff if the Senate was involved in the bill, Reeves did not reply. The House debate lasted four hours due to 17 amendments that were not offered by Democrats. Bennett presented the bill to the members but was unable to answer any questions regarding the state’s current education funding formula. “I have never looked at MAEP, and I don’t pretend to understand it. Bennett stated that Bennett doesn’t believe many people understand it. Democrats claimed that the new formula is unfair in many ways and needed to be tweaked before the bill can be passed. Many were critical of the 27 percent rule. This allows property-rich districts in the state to keep $120million in state funds that they wouldn’t otherwise have to raise locally. Bennett responded by repeating what he had told legislators all week: he is open for study of the rule down the line, but it is unfair to penalize wealthy areas and remove it all at once. Gunn pointed out that the bill is still in progress and will be examined over the next several decades, but that the 27 percent rule was implemented by Democrats who were the House majority at that time. Gunn stated that removing the rule would require wealthy districts to increase taxes, such as the Clinton one he represents. Gunn stated that he believed part of the rule would cause tax increases, which we (Republicans), try to avoid. Adrienne Wooten (D-Jackson) and Robert Johnson, D.Natchez, both attempted to recommit their bills for further discussion but failed. Rep. Willie Perkins (D-Greenwood) urged his fellow lawmakers to consider the importance of this bill and told them “You will get a chance for your blueprint on funding education.” Perkins stated that this bill is going to change the way we fund education. Jay Hughes, a Democratic Representative from Oxford, also highlighted the rush and noted that the bill was filed Jan. 11. Bennett stated that the recommendations had been “out there for a while”, so it should not surprise that the bill contains them. Hughes said that while Bennett mentioned that the bill has been available for one year, he wanted to clarify that he was the first member of the House to view the 354-page bill. Gunn responded to critics questioning whether House leaders met enough superintendents across the state before crafting legislation. He said that he can recall meeting with them over two days, and also held many meetings outside of his office. Gunn also stated that EdBuild consultants organized a statewide listening trip, which some superintendents participated in. “There are 139 districts in the state. Gunn stated that 10 percent of those were met — 13 or so is an acceptable cross-section. Rep. Bryant Clark (D-Pickens) pointed out that the base $4,800 amount doesn’t account for inflation. “There is nothing in this bill” that will guarantee that “this body will come back to adjust base student cost.” Education funding per district under proposed formula, 2025-2026. Multiple Democrats submitted amendments to that effect, but none was passed. The formula does not include low-income students, which members also expressed concern about. Opponents claim that the bill uses census data, which is inaccurate and does not include many students. To calculate poverty, the MAEP uses the number of students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Clark stated that this is a once in a generation vote. This means that an education funding vote only happens every 25, 30 or 25 years. Clark said, “So don’t you think it’s important that it gets it right?” To support this important work and continue our important work like this one, start a regular donation today to celebrate our Spring Member Drive. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think. Republish this Story You can republish our articles online or in print for free under a Creative Commons licence.