Mississippi lawmakers passed a bill to extend a school voucher program that helps those with learning disabilities and other challenges. As MPB's Desare Frazier reports, some Senators didn't agree with parts of the bill.
Special Needs Vouchers also called Education Scholarship Accounts end this year unless the legislature reinstates them. The vouchers help students with private school tuition or services. Senate Bill 2594 requires private schools that accept the vouchers provide the services students need, a provision that wasn't previously included. Republican Senator Dennis DeBar of Leakesville talks about the bill on the Senate Floor.
"We're not shutting down schools. We're not kicking kids out of the program. We're making sure there is accountability on behalf of these schools who are taking the money and we want to make sure they're providing services to these children," said DeBar.
DeBar says the measure addresses the lack of accountability outlined in a state oversight agency's report. This bill requires private schools be certified by the state department of education. Students would be tested when they begin a program and at the end of the year to track their progress. Also, vouchers would no longer be provided for out-of-state schools or online programs. Republican Senator Angela Hill of Picayune took issue with those provisions, saying all public schools don't provide services for special need students.
"If you're school's not providing the need, then why under God's green earth hold that child back from getting the education that they need," said Hill.
Republican Senator David Parker of Olive Branch says there are students who live near the Mississippi state line where the only option maybe a school in a neighboring state.
"Would we not be better to look at what's in the best interest of that child and consider that, when that child's need can not be met in the State of Mississippi," said Parker.
The bill passed as presented and goes to the House for review.