Bill > HB1622

This bill brings forward Section 37-161-3 of the Mississippi Code, which establishes the Mississippi Virtual Public School (MVPS) Program, a state-sponsored online education initiative. The bill recognizes the importance of meeting educational needs, closing achievement gaps, and providing alternative educational options for Mississippi students. The MVPS is defined as a public school that delivers instruction via the Internet in a virtual or remote setting, operated by the State Department of Education and potentially managed by private providers selected through an online course application process. The program, which was initially established in the 2006-2007 school year, allows students from anywhere in Mississippi to enroll free of charge, subject to available funding. Teachers must be licensed in Mississippi, and the State Board of Education has approval authority for coursework and policies. The bill emphasizes providing necessary instructional materials and technology access, with potential costs shared between the state education department and local school districts. If funding is exhausted, parents or guardians might become responsible for online course costs. The legislation aims to create an equitable, technology-driven educational alternative that can help improve academic achievement, particularly for students in low-performing school districts.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1622.xml