Ellington

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Senators are pushing forward a proposal to give more than $6,000 in state money to the parent of any Mississippi special education student who wants to withdraw their child from their local public school district.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 2325 Thursday on a 26-23 vote. It goes to the House for more work.

Supporters say too many public school districts are doing a poor job educating special education students, and parents need options including private school or home tutoring.

Opponents are wary that vouchers could weaken public school systems and be an opening wedge for a statewide voucher program.

Sen. Nancy Collins, a Tupelo Republican, pledged to senators that she would work to make the bill more acceptable, inserting a provision guaranteeing the bill will return to the Senate.