ID H0392

Repeals the existing Local Innovation School Act and replaces it with a new "Districts of Innovation" framework allowing the State Board of Education to designate eligible school districts that can receive exemptions from certain state laws, administrative rules, and board policies.

School districts seeking designation must submit a local innovation plan that identifies needed changes, documents community and educator support, specifies requested exemptions with rationale, and establishes performance goals such as reducing achievement gaps or increasing college/career readiness.

Districts of innovation cannot receive exemptions from federal requirements, open enrollment rules, Chapter 10 of Title 33 (relating to attendance), or state curriculum and graduation requirements.

The State Board of Education must review each local innovation plan every two years and may terminate a district's designation if goals are not being met, or allow plan amendments to address concerns.

Two school districts may submit a joint local innovation plan if both boards approve; the act takes effect July 1, 2025 under an emergency declaration.