Section 37-68-3 - Legislative findings and intent(1) The Mississippi Legislature finds the following: (a) The State of Emergency and ongoing public health crisis related to COVID-19 requires all schools to plan and implement distance learning programs, and plan to facilitate safe classroom and remote instruction;(b) The availability of unprecedented federal funding for distance learning has created a unique opportunity for schools to provide all students and teachers with better access to technology to enhance traditional classroom teaching; and(c) In recognition that every school's technology needs are different, this chapter establishes the Equity in Distance Learning Grant Program to require the Mississippi Department of Education and schools to expend funds on eligible expenses, within the relevant statutory provisions of this chapter and the regulations promulgated, in order to assist schools in expeditiously implementing distance learning programs and facilitating safe classroom and remote instruction.(2) Therefore, the intent of the Mississippi Legislature is:(a) To provide funding for devices and other technology, including technology related to connectivity and online access, sufficient for students, teachers, and administrators and other staff to engage in grade-appropriate distance learning aligned with the state's College and Career Readiness Standards, and provide funding for safe classroom or remote instruction; and(b) To provide funding for technical support and professional development to facilitate distance learning and safe classroom or remote instruction.Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 488, SB 3044,§ 3, (became law without the Governor's signature on July 9, 2020).