Under The Dome: Senate Education Committee Advances School Choice Bill

Yesterday, the Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 2002, a small but important step toward expanding educational opportunity for families across our state.

For years, Mississippi law has allowed a student’s assigned public school district to effectively veto a family’s attempt to transfer to another district, even when the receiving district is willing to accept that student. In practice, this has meant families could be trapped in schools that are not working for their child, with no meaningful recourse.

This bill removes that veto power. That’s important – families should not be held hostage by bureaucracy when another public school is willing to serve their child.

That said, this bill does not include transparency provisions that would give parents clear information about a receiving school’s capacity, tuition, or admission requirements. Without that information, families are still navigating the system with limited visibility into their real options.

Mississippi has made meaningful strides in education over the last decade, but too many families still lack real choices when their assigned school is not the right fit. Every child learns differently, and our education system should reflect that reality. Families need access to a variety of educational options, including public schools, charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling, so each student can find the right fit.

During the 2026 legislative session, we hope lawmakers will take even bolder action to expand school choice, increase transparency, and put families first.

If you stand with us in support of school choice, your lawmakers need to know it. Click here to ask them to support school choice, including charter and private school options. It’s quick and easy, and your voice can make a difference.

Thanks for staying engaged with us. As always, we’ll keep you connected to what is happening at the Capitol.