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Senate approves change to school funding formula to dedicate funds to gifted education after extended debate
Summary
The Senate approved a committee substitute that increases the funding weight for gifted education and directs the money toward gifted instruction; supporters said the change restores about $40 million, while some members questioned earmarking one weight without similar requirements for other student‑weight categories.
The Mississippi Senate voted to adopt a committee substitute to modify the state student funding formula and to increase the weight applied for gifted education, directing funds generated by the new weight to gifted instruction.
Senator Wiggins, sponsor of the committee substitute, told colleagues the change "addresses the gifted education that has not been that a lot of folks feel has not been properly addressed," and estimated the funding effect at about $40,000,000. She and other supporters argued that prior changes to the formula reduced support for gifted programs and that the adjustment restores dedicated resources for that student population.
Opponents warned the move creates an exception that other weights do not have. Senator Blunt asked whether other weights (for low‑income, English‑language learners and special education) include similar spending directives; he pointed out those weights are not presently required to be spent only on the students who generate them. In response, Wiggins and supporters said the change targets a perceived shortfall for gifted programs and that lawmakers could consider changes to other weights separately.
The committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed by morning roll call. Supporters said the change uses general fund resources and that details on the formula and appropriation flow will be addressed during the budget process.
What’s next: The measure will be transmitted for House consideration and any required fiscal adjustments will be incorporated in the state budget process.
