MN SF325

Creates the MNovate commission with 12 voting members to develop innovative public school models addressing individual student needs, teacher professional opportunities, and system efficiency.

Commission membership includes the Commissioner of Education as ongoing chair (first year) plus four members each appointed by the governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate Subcommittee on Committees, with initial terms staggered and subsequent three-year terms with maximum of two consecutive terms.

Commission must research high-priority unmet learning needs by December 31, 2012, including early literacy, postsecondary credit completion in high school, rural school models, fiscally stressed district models, technology-enhanced learning, and student engagement through project-based learning.

Commission shall identify restrictive laws and rules, disseminate information about new school models, facilitate technical assistance, research evaluation methods, and actively seek private and federal funding for its operations.

Commission will create a private nonprofit corporation with tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status to implement its work, subject to open meeting laws, audit requirements, and financial disclosure rules.