Mississippi's School Choice Debate: Balancing Freedom and Funding

Mississippi lawmakers are diving deep into the school choice discussion, aiming to draft legislation that could reshape education funding in the state. The Mississippi House Select Committee on Education Freedom, led by House Speaker Jason White and co-chaired by Reps. Rob Roberson and Jansen Owen, is exploring ways to allow government funding for private or religious schools. This idea, known as school choice, is gaining traction across the U. S. , with 18 states already implementing universal school choice programs. The committee recently heard from Barrett Donahoe, executive director of the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools, who supports school choice but raised concerns about potential state mandates. Donahoe argued that accepting public funds could force private schools to lower their admission standards, compromise their curriculum freedom, and dilute their faith-based missions. He believes that public school accountability models, like standardized testing, could stifle the innovative nature of independent schools. Lawmakers had tough questions for Donahoe, with Rep. Greg Holloway pointing out the contradiction in accepting funding without adhering to the requirements. Donahoe defended his position, citing the success of independent schools in terms of graduation rates and college attendance. He also addressed concerns about Christian schools receiving government funding, clarifying that while the schools integrate a Christian worldview, students do not need to be Christian to attend. This debate isn't new for the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools. Earlier this year, they were involved in a legal battle over federal funding, which the Mississippi Supreme Court ultimately ruled in their favor. The court decided that $10 million in federal pandemic relief funds could be allocated to the association for infrastructure projects, as it did not violate the state constitution. As the 2026 legislative session approaches, the committee plans to hold more meetings and hearings to finalize their bill. The goal is to find a balance between providing educational freedom and ensuring accountability.