ID H0545

Establishes the Local Innovation School Act allowing up to 10 public schools per year (2016-2021, totaling maximum 50 schools) to participate by obtaining written innovation school agreements between a majority of teachers and the school board.

Innovation schools remain part of the school district and must receive state, federal, and local funding consistent with other district schools plus $10,000 planning funds from the state within 60 days of approval.

Innovation schools must comply with state and federal anti-discrimination laws, safety laws, and applicable provisions for charter schools, but may be exempted from other Idaho Code statutes, state board rules, and local district policies.

Innovation school agreements must include performance goals, accountability metrics, a minimum 3-year duration with automatic renewal if conditions are met, and grounds for termination if the school fails to comply with agreement terms, fiscal standards, or educational goals.

Innovation school teams receive full operational autonomy to run schools and may use school buildings, equipment, and supplies; employees retain access to public retirement systems, social security, unemployment insurance, workers compensation, and health insurance.