According to the authority granted in MS Code Section 37-7-306 (5) Annotated, as amended, the State Board of Education and the Board of Directors of the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) adopt the following policy and procedures applicable to any school board member who has not completed the basic or continuing course of training as required by MS Code Sections 37-7-306 (2) and (3).  Such board member may apply for an extension of time according to the provisions of MS Code Section 37-7-306 (5) provided the individual board member's justification for an extension meets the following definitions of medical hardship and/or catastrophic hardship.

DEFINITIONS

Medical Hardship is defined as any debilitating or serious illness or medical condition of the school board member or of his/her immediate family member.

Catastrophic Hardship is defined as any natural disaster, technological emergency or civil emergency that directly affects the geographic area or property on which the school board member lives or that results in a declaration of an emergency by a county or municipality, the Governor, of the President of the United States.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Basic Education Course

In order to apply for an extension of time for completing the basic education course, the board member shall submit a letter to the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) prior to the required date for completion of the training.  The letter requesting the extension shall state the hardship condition and provide information demonstrating how the hardship claimed has directly and significantly impacted the member's ability to complete the required training. 

MSBA will review the request and respond in writing within two weeks of receipt of the request.  Additional information may be requested of the board member in order to determine whether the extension may be granted.

If an extension is granted, the school board member shall be required to attend the next scheduled basic course of training as directed by the OLDE.  If the extension is denied, the reasons for such denial shall be stated in writing to the board member.

Continuing Education Course

In order to apply for an extension of time for completing the continuing education course, the board member shall submit a letter to the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) prior to the required date for completion of the training.  The letter requesting the extension shall state the hardship condition and provide information demonstrating how the hardship claimed has directly and significantly impacted the member's ability to complete the required training. 

The MSBA will review the request and respond in writing within two weeks of receipt of the request.  Additional information may be requested of the board member in order to determine whether the extension may be granted.

If an extension is granted, the school board member shall be required to attend the next scheduled continuing education course as directed by the MSBA.  If the extension is denied, the reasons for such denial shall be stated in writing to the board member.

LEGAL REF.: MS CODE ' 37-7-306 (2006)

ADOPTED:    10/11/2005

REVISED:    12/12/2006