DeSOTO COUNTY, Miss.–People from counties that surround DeSoto are stealing from the taxpayers of the county by sending their kids to DeSoto County schools, said state Sen. Michael McClendon, when presenting a bill to the Senate Judiciary Committee, that would punish the parents and kids.
“We are bordered by three counties and being the number one school district, a lot of people want to go there,” said McClendon.
Those counties are Tate, Marshall and Tunica.
McClendon made the argument that since the county has invested in its schools, and since taxpayers are continuing to pay property taxes and for bond issues for school improvements, that people who are sending their children there illegally should be punished.
His bill would apply anywhere in the state. He said county supervisors have already passed an ordinance on the county level.
“They’re basically stealing from DeSoto County taxpayers.”
While the act is considered illegal, the current penalty is the expulsion of the student. The bill being proposed would change penalties to fines for the parents and possible jail time up to 30 days. The students would be subject to suspension.
McClendon said he believes there are plenty of opportunities for people to move to DeSoto County.
The bill was tabled, with possible future legislation on school choice coming that would provide for money to follow students if the parents wished for them to attend a school outside their district.
