A report released last year found most Mississippi teachers begin the school year without access to classroom supply funds, forcing many to pay for materials out of pocket, the report said.
Authors of the report and education advocates say a simple change could address the problem: activate the supply funds earlier than Aug. 1. They say earlier access would allow classrooms to open fully stocked so students could begin learning without delay and teachers would not have to use personal money for supplies.
Multiple bills pending in the Mississippi Legislature would allow the preloaded supply cards to be activated sooner if signed into law, the report said. Advocates are urging residents to contact state lawmakers and ask them to support measures that move up the activation date.
School supply delays can affect classroom readiness at the start of the academic year. The report’s authors and advocates call for legislative action this session to prevent teachers from shouldering the cost of essential materials. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
