Teacher pay; increase for teachers and assistant teachers.

Teacher salary scales increased by $5,000 across all experience levels for the 2026-2027 school year and subsequent years, with specific minimum salary amounts updated in the schedule.

New $3,000 annual salary supplement established for licensed special education teachers employed full-time by school districts to provide special education instruction.

New District Improvement and Teacher Stabilization Supplement Program created to provide performance-based and need-based supplemental funding to underperforming school districts with detailed oversight and reporting requirements.

Additional $4,000 salary supplement for teachers in designated rural counties (Claiborne, Adams, Jefferson, Wilkinson, Amite, Bolivar, Coahoma, Leflore, Quitman, Sharkey, Issaquena, Sunflower, Washington, Holmes, Yazoo, and Tallahatchie).

Maximum salary cap established for school superintendents at 250% of the salary of a teacher with equivalent qualifications, including local supplemental pay.

Office of Dropout Prevention and Compulsory School Attendance renamed to Office of Student Success and Graduation and Office of Educational Participation, with revised titles, employment qualifications, responsibilities, and minimum salary schedules for coaches and coordinators.

Retirement system eligibility changed for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services providers joining after March 1, 2026, allowing retirement after 25 years of service regardless of age.

Retirement age requirements modified for members joining after March 1, 2026, with different age thresholds based on years of service credit (62 years for 8 years service, 60 years for 30 years service, or regardless of age for 35 years service).

Additional salary supplements established for National Board Certified teachers ($6,000), school nurses ($6,000), school counselors ($6,000), speech-language pathologists ($6,000), and athletic trainers ($6,000) plus reimbursement for certification costs.

School district superintendent consent no longer required for placing students in alternative school programs when referred by a chancellor or youth court judge disposition order.