MN HF877

Establishes a permanent program allowing groups of two or more school districts to partner with postsecondary institutions, community organizations, and workplace partners to provide integrated career and technical education programs leading to industry certifications or credentials.

Requires participating districts to obtain formal school board approval and develop a comprehensive plan including collaborative education goals, implementation strategies with budget processes, performance assessments in authentic settings, implementation timelines, and fee schedules.

Mandates participating districts submit biennial reports by February 1 in odd-numbered years to the education committees and commissioner of education containing performance assessment data, high school graduation rates, and career and technical certification data.

Preserves participating districts' autonomy by allowing them to continue receiving revenue, maintaining taxation authority, being governed by elected school boards, and keeping employees under current employment agreements.

Authorizes the commissioner of education to convene an advisory panel, ensure equitable geographical distribution of program participants, select qualified applicants, and terminate participants failing to effectively implement their approved goals and timelines.