Assistant teachers; provide "C," "D" and "F" school districts with funding for additional positions.

HB 159 would provide state funding for additional assistant teachers in kindergarten through third grade within Mississippi's lowest-performing "C," "D," and "F" school districts. The bill requires districts to hire assistant teachers with at least a high school diploma, sets a $17,000 annual minimum salary, and mandates reading improvement plans and annual program evaluations. Districts could alternatively use the funds to hire licensed teachers if it reduced student-teacher ratios in grades K-3, but could not replace assistant teachers solely to use the funding for licensed staff. The bill also requires districts to submit specific accountability plans and training programs for staff. (Note: The bill died in committee in February 2026.)