Bill > HB817

This bill establishes a comprehensive procedure for removing school board members in Mississippi for various forms of misconduct or poor performance. The bill defines specific grounds for removal, including malfeasance (intentional unlawful conduct), misfeasance (improper execution of duties), nonfeasance (failure to perform legal duties), breach of public trust, and abuse of authority. The removal process begins with an official recommendation from the local school board, which is then reviewed by the local governing authority. The accused board member receives a summons and has 30 days to respond to the allegations. If the local governing authority finds substantial evidence of misconduct, a hearing will be scheduled where both parties can present testimony and cross-examine witnesses. The proceeding requires a majority vote to remove the board member, and the accused has the right to appeal through the circuit court and potentially the Mississippi Supreme Court. Additionally, the bill amends existing law to specify that chronic absenteeism (missing 20% or more of board meetings) can be grounds for removal and requires the school board president to report such absences to the State Board of Education. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing a clear, structured process for addressing potential misconduct by school board members while ensuring due process protections.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0817.xml