CT HB05551

Establishes the Commissioner's Network of Schools to improve student achievement and directly intervene in low-performing schools, selecting schools from the bottom five percent statewide rather than limiting to 25 schools annually.

Requires the Commissioner to assume responsibility from local boards of education for implementing educational improvements in designated network schools, with authority to waive state laws that hinder turnaround efforts as of July 1, 2016.

Mandates network schools participate for at least three years with evaluation at year three to determine readiness to exit; allows phased transition back to local board control with possible continued commissioner oversight of certain operations.

Establishes turnaround agreements between the Department of Education and local boards, with advisory committees including parents, community members, and union representatives; permits commissioner to unilaterally impose operating conditions and turnaround models if committee cannot reach majority agreement.

Provides state funding for turnaround implementation, operational costs, and financial incentives for exemplary teachers and administrators; repeals Section 10-153s and requires annual academic performance reports to the legislature on participating schools.