School Choice in Mississippi:

Published August 17, 2025

Last week, I traveled to Jackson to attend a policy forum hosted by Americans for Prosperity at the Old Capitol Inn, just steps from the Mississippi State Capitol. The event brought together key decision-makers shaping the future of school choice in Mississippi, including Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson, Speaker of the House Jason White, Senator Philman Ladner, and Representative Jansen Owen. Speaker White addressed the audience directly, emphasizing that school choice in Mississippi is a priority for the Republican Party and a central part of its platform. He explained that this is what President Trump wants, what Governor Tate Reeves supports, and what the party as a whole is working to advance. He pointed attendees to Chapter 12 of the Republican Handbook, where the policy is outlined, and made it clear that this initiative is part of the official Republican agenda. Speaker White also acknowledged that some members of the state legislature are resisting the idea, and urged fellow Republicans to support the measure and help move it forward.

I emphasized to each state official that I came as a neutral observer, from the Long Beach district and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. My role was not to advocate for any specific agenda, but to engage directly, ask informed questions, and bring back a clear and balanced understanding of the school choice in Mississippi debate for our local leaders. This wasn’t about posting opinions online or reacting from a distance. I went in person to learn directly from those crafting policy, to ensure our community’s voice is part of the conversation. My goal is to brief our City Council, Mayor, School Board, and Superintendent with a clear-eyed assessment of how school choice in Mississippi could affect our classrooms, our teachers, and our children. The decisions being made in Jackson will shape the future of education across Mississippi, and it’s vital that Long Beach be prepared and informed.

School choice in Mississippi refers to policies that allow families to use public education funding to enroll their children in schools outside their assigned district. Instead of being tied to a school based on geography, parents could use state funds to choose public, charter, private, or online schools. Currently, Mississippi allocates roughly $7,000 per student annually, known as the per-pupil funding amount (or Education Savings Account). Under proposed legislation like House Bill 1433, a portion of that funding, especially for students in D- or F-rated districts, could follow the student to another school, including private institutions.

Supporters argue that this flexibility empowers families to find the best educational fit for their children. They believe competition among schools will drive innovation and improvement. Moreover, they insist that parents, not government, should decide what kind of education their children receive. For some students, especially those with learning differences or special needs, transferring to a school with specialized programs could be life-changing. These are important goals, and the conversation around school choice in Mississippi deserves thoughtful attention. However, the reality is more complex, especially for communities like ours on the Gulf Coast.

To help our community better understand the debate, here’s a summary of the key arguments presented at the event and in broader discussions:

The Pros

Supporters at the Jackson event and across the country argue that:

•    Parental Freedom: Families should have the right to choose the school that best fits their child’s needs.

•    Improved Quality Through Competition: Allowing families to choose schools could incentivize public schools to improve.

•    Access for Struggling Districts: Students in underperforming schools may gain access to better educational opportunities.

•    Customization and Innovation: Charter and magnet schools often offer specialized programs that traditional schools may not.

•    Empowerment of Low-Income Families: Vouchers and Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) could help families who otherwise couldn’t afford private education.

These points resonated with some of the parents present, who spoke about wanting more say in where their tax dollars go and how their children are educated.

The Cons

On the other side of the discussion, concerns were raised that:

•    Loss of Public School Funding: When students leave public schools, funding follows them. For example, 100 students leaving could mean a $700,000 loss to a district budget.

•    Overcrowding in High-Performing Schools: Districts like Long Beach could see an influx of students, straining resources and risking a drop in academic performance.

•    Taxpayer Dollars Supporting Private Interests: Vouchers may subsidize tuition at private or religious schools. For instance, Saint Stanislaus Catholic High School could raise tuition from $10,400 to $17,400 with voucher support.

•    Lack of Accountability: Private schools receiving public funds may not be held to the same standards as public schools.

•    Selective Admissions and Discrimination: Unlike public schools, private institutions can reject students based on disability, religion, or language proficiency. Widening Inequality: Families with financial means can better navigate school choice systems, while low-income students may be left behind.

One of the most overlooked risks is not that students will leave our schools, but that they will flood them. Schools like Long Beach, Gulfport, Ocean Spring’s A-rated school system could become a magnet for families from neighboring districts seeking better opportunities. While that might sound like a compliment, it could lead to overcrowded classrooms, stretched resources, and a decline in academic performance. Our schools are funded by local tax dollars, and when resources are spread too thin, the quality of education suffers. If our school rating drops, property values could follow. That affects every homeowner in the city, not just those with children in school.

Meanwhile, private and charter schools stand to benefit significantly from public funds. Institutions like Saint Stanislaus Catholic High School, where tuition is currently around $10,400, could raise their rates to $17,000 or more if state vouchers are introduced. That would allow these schools to profit from taxpayer dollars while becoming even less accessible to average families. The result is a system where public money supports private interests, rather than strengthening the schools that serve all children. There’s also the issue of equity. Families with financial means can navigate school choice more easily, they can afford transportation, uniforms, and supplemental costs. But students from low-income households may be left behind in underfunded schools with fewer resources and reduced opportunities. Instead of lifting all schools to higher standards, school choice in Mississippi could deepen the divide between communities.

The legislature is expected to take up school choice in Mississippi proposals in the upcoming session. That’s why it’s critical for Long Beach to be proactive, not reactive. We need to understand the details, anticipate the consequences, and make sure our voices are heard. I’ll be sharing my findings with local officials and continuing to monitor developments in Jackson. Whether you support school choice in Mississippi or have concerns, I encourage you to stay engaged. Ask questions. Talk to your representatives. Attend school board meetings. The future of education in Mississippi is being shaped right now, and schools like Long Beach and Gulfport deserves a seat at the table.

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