ID S1291

Designates schools in the lowest-performing 5% according to state performance standards as low-performing schools beginning in 2018, with annual designation by July 15.

Requires low-performing schools to establish school turnaround committees including trustees, principals, parents, teachers, and community members, which must select an independent school turnaround expert by October 30 of the initial remedial year.

Mandates school turnaround plans include comprehensive needs assessments, measurable student achievement goals, professional development strategies, detailed budgets, and implementation timelines, with approval required by the accountability oversight committee by February 1.

Allows schools up to 2 years to improve performance with expert assistance, with possible 2-year extension if improvement is demonstrated; schools failing to improve are referred to the accountability oversight committee for further action recommendations.

Establishes a School Recognition and Reward Program providing monetary rewards to improving low-performing schools and their staff, and creates a School Leadership Development Program offering incentive pay to principals and assistant principals who complete training and commit to 5 years in low-performing schools.