AZ HB2033

Lowers the threshold for state intervention in school districts from six or more schools with at least half receiving D or F grades to just one school receiving a D or F grade.

Requires the state board of education to develop and implement an alternative operation plan that includes appointing a turnaround specialist when a district meets the intervention criteria, rather than making it discretionary.

Grants turnaround specialists broad powers including overriding school board decisions, hiring and firing personnel, canceling contracts, attending board meetings, and potentially reopening schools as charter schools.

Requires turnaround specialists to submit a detailed improvement plan within 120 days of appointment and conduct periodic reviews to determine when authority should be returned to the local governing board.

Mandates that all expenses and costs of the turnaround specialist be paid by the school district, subject to state board review to ensure fees are reasonable.