House Bill 1740 - School Operations Summary

• Establishes the "Passport Scholarship Program" allowing students in unaccredited school districts to receive tax-credit-funded scholarships (up to 60% of contributions) for tuition and educational expenses at qualified nonpublic schools, with a $40 million annual cap on tax credits.

• Creates the Missouri Charter Public School Commission as a new charter school sponsor with nine gubernatorially-appointed members, expanding charter school authorization beyond existing sponsors.

• Modifies teacher employment protections by eliminating tenure protections for teachers hired after June 30, 2013, allowing districts to use performance-based evaluations instead of seniority for reduction-in-force decisions.

• Expands educational options for students in unaccredited districts to attend accredited public schools or virtual programs in other districts, with tuition and transportation paid by the student's home district.

• Updates charter school requirements including mandatory performance contracts, renewal procedures based on academic and fiscal viability standards, and enhanced sponsor oversight and accountability measures.