Jones: MAE opposes private school choice efforts

Note: The following is an opinion-editorial article written and provided by Erica Jones, president of the Mississippi Association of Educators. Any opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily that of this publication.

By Erica Jones, MAE President

As a former second grade teacher with 20 years’ experience, I am not afraid to repeat myself. You know, teachers are used to doing that – even at the highest grades – to make sure their students get the message. So, here goes: “The Mississippi Association of Educators is opposed to private school choice.”

Yes. That means that we believe the idea of taking taxpayer money intended for a public school and sending it off with a student to support a private school is wrong and will be detrimental to the future of Mississippians and our state’s economy.

Do we think that there are public schools in need of improvement? Absolutely. Do you think gutting their budgets to enrich private schools is a sensible approach to helping these public schools improve? No? That is what the so-called “school choice” advocates are proposing. We know. It doesn’t make much sense, does it?

What does make sense is making every effort to increase the rankings of every public school in Mississippi until they are all successful. Will that mean examining budget allocations in districts to make sure that the most money is in the classrooms? Probably. Will it mean determining the need for special classes in every school to address specific student needs close to home? It’s likely. 

Does Mississippi appropriate public school funding based upon the individual needs of students? Now we do, thanks to the 2024 Legislature who changed the public-school funding formula to do just that.

We are very grateful that our lawmakers understood the importance of appropriating funds to support students according to their individual needs. It’s a sensible approach to making sure our students are prepared to reach their personal potentials as contributing citizens of this state. We expect that local school districts as well as the State Department of Education will be on top of making sure the money is spent appropriately, and we will soon begin to see the rewards of change in the funding formula.

So, now do you think this rush to use public money for private schools is necessary or sensible?  It’s something to think about, isn’t it? I say, let’s give the individualized funding formula (The Mississippi Student Funding Formula) a chance to work. Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator and strongly insist that the formula be fully funded this session and every session going forward. That way, every Mississippi student will have the best opportunity possible to succeed, no matter where they live and no matter their ability,

So, just in case I need to repeat myself as President of the Mississippi Association of Educators: “We are not in favor of ‘private school choice.’ Period.”