Mississippi spends larger share of education budget on administration than other Southern states, Facebook post says

A Facebook post says Mississippi spends a greater share of its education budget on administration than any other state in the South while also having some of the lowest-paid teachers in the country.

The post said teachers in Mississippi “would be among the highest paid in the nation” if the Legislature enacted a proposal from the poster’s office that would require at least 50% of all education dollars be directed to teacher salaries. The post argued the change would cut administrative waste and redirect money to classroom instruction.

State legislatures set education budgets that determine how much money flows to school districts, teacher pay and administrative costs. Decisions about the balance between central administrative spending and classroom salaries can affect teacher recruitment, retention and student services, observers say.

The Facebook post did not provide detailed data or identify the office by name. Any change would require legislative action in Mississippi. We will provide more information as it becomes available.