MN HF1639

Establishes an innovation zone program allowing school districts and charter schools to form partnerships to research and implement innovative education models aligned with 21st century workforce requirements.

Permits innovation zone partnerships to include postsecondary institutions, local government units, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations, with plans collaboratively developed with school instructional staff.

Authorizes innovation zone partnerships to obtain exemptions from specified state education laws and rules, including teacher/principal evaluations, attendance recording, high school curricular requirements, and instructional hour requirements, if detailed in an approved plan.

Establishes a 14-member Innovation Zone Advisory Panel to review submitted plans and recommend planning and implementation grant amounts; commissioner must approve or reject plans based on panel recommendations.

Appropriates funds from the general fund for planning grants (up to 2 years), implementation grants (up to 4 years, renewable), and Department of Education administrative costs for fiscal years 2018-2019, with unused balances available until June 30, 2020.