The Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA) has been informed from the Mississippi Department of Education that school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are not eligible to receive the one-time $2,000 special education salary supplement from SB 2103.
Recent clarification from state leaders confirmed that all eligible special education teachers will receive the supplement; however, MDE has stated that professionals already receiving the state’s National Board/Professional Certification salary supplement, including many school-based speech-language pathologists who hold the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), are not eligible for the additional payment as they are already receiving a supplement.
Following our initial communication, we reviewed a June 24, 2026 letter from Mississippi legislative leadership to the Mississippi Department of Education that further explains the Legislature’s intent regarding Senate Bill 2103. In that correspondence, legislative leaders state that speech-language pathologists were not intended to receive the additional special education supplement because they are not specifically included among the personnel identified in Section 2(b) of the legislation. The letter also notes that many school-based speech-language pathologists already receive the existing $6,000 professional certification supplement authorized under state law and cites a prior Mississippi Attorney General opinion concluding that the Mississippi Department of Education may not provide multiple salary supplements to the same employee.
As such, we understand that this was not a decision made by the Mississippi Department of Education but rather directed specifically by the legislature in reference to Mississippi state code. MSHA appreciates this additional clarification regarding the Legislature’s intent and the statutory interpretation provided to MDE. While this information provides important context, it does not change our position that school-based speech-language pathologists are indispensable members of the special education team. These professionals provide federally required services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and play a critical role in helping students with disabilities succeed in Mississippi’s public schools.
MSHA remains committed to advocating for equitable recognition and compensation for school-based speech-language pathologists and will continue working with legislators, state leaders, and other stakeholders to explore opportunities to address this issue in future legislative sessions.
Thank you for your continued dedication to Mississippi’s students and for your engagement in this important conversation.
Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association 