Fight over how to fund public schools intensifies in Legislature by Bobby Harrison, Mississippi Today March 7, 2024 The divide between the Senate and the House over how to fund public education — specifically local school districts — intensified dramatically on Thursday, setting the stage for a potentially contentious remainder of the 2024 legislative session. On Thursday, the Senate passed its public school funding plan with no senator voting no and two voting present.
But Senate Education Chair Dennis DeBar, R-Leakesville, said on Thursday that the Senate plan, which will increase education funding by about $210 million, was based “on real numbers” compiled with the assistance of the Department of Education. Plus, he said,"I think it is extremely important we have an objective formula that everyone can run and know what they are going to receive," adding that an objective formula"provides accountability for us.