MN SF1821

Creates innovation schools that allow school districts to designate schools with approved innovation plans that provide greater autonomy over staffing, personnel evaluation, scheduling, curriculum, and educational programming to improve student achievement.

Innovation plans must include the school's mission, specific innovations, affected programs and policies, expected academic improvements, staffing plan, budget, and any required statutory or collective bargaining waivers.

Schools can voluntarily submit innovation plans for board approval within 60 days, or must submit plans if 51% of staff, 51% of parents, or 50% of students meet low-growth academic performance criteria for two consecutive years.

Innovation schools are exempt from most state statutes and rules but must comply with federal/state health and safety requirements, accountability standards in chapter 120B, anti-discrimination laws, and student dismissal procedures.

Establishes innovation zones consisting of multiple innovation schools sharing geographic location or educational focus, and creates $100 per pupil in average daily membership funding for implemented innovation schools plus $50 per pupil for approved but not yet implemented plans.