Mississippi families face back-to-school cost pressures amid 3.5% inflation

Inflation in Mississippi remains at 3.5%, and a NerdWallet survey shows families plan to spend an average of $611 on back-to-school items. School districts such as Rankin County and Jackson Public Schools list name‑brand supplies—including Ticonderoga pencils, Crayola crayons and Fiskars scissors—totaling $35‑$40 for basics, with technology needs pushing totals higher. Local organizations are offering free supply events to help families cover costs.

Meanwhile, chronic absenteeism continues to rise, with about 27% of Mississippi students—roughly 100,000 children—missing more than 10% of the school year. Schools have formed Attendance Teams of teachers and School Attendance Officers to monitor daily attendance. The Legislature has increased salaries for these officers and, through Senate Bill 2001, strengthened youth courts and appointed additional chancellors to enforce the state's compulsory attendance law, which classifies 12 unlawful absences as a misdemeanor.