MN HF49

Authorizes school boards to implement flexible learning year programs without requiring approval from the commissioner of education, effective for the 2020-2021 school year and later.

Modifies minimum instruction hour and day requirements to allow four-day week schedules when approved by the school board rather than the commissioner.

Changes the definition of "flexible learning year program" to mean any district plan approved by the school board that utilizes buildings and facilities during the entire year or provides optional scheduling options.

Removes the commissioner's requirement to approve or disapprove flexible learning year applications within 45 business days and eliminates the commissioner's rulemaking authority over flexible learning year program approvals under Minnesota Rules, part 3500.1000.

Allows school boards to terminate flexible learning year programs without commissioner approval, while maintaining commissioner duties to supervise compliance, adjust attendance computations, and provide formulas for average daily membership calculations.