MS HB1043

Establishes New Start School Program administered by the Mississippi Recovery School District to transform public schools that are classified as failing for three consecutive school years into new start schools.

Requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules evaluating all licensed and nonlicensed employees in failing schools being transformed, with authority to terminate employees who receive unsatisfactory evaluations.

Mandates that superintendents and local school board members in districts with failing schools restrict travel to legally mandated or state-prescribed travel only, and reduces per diem for board members by one-half.

Requires school boards to adopt policies establishing academic plans for students, next-step plans for grades 9-11, daily homework and reading assignments, school uniforms, professional teacher dress codes, and parental participation in school supportive services.

Suspends Education Employment Procedures Law protections for employees in new start schools, allowing greater flexibility in hiring and termination decisions by the Recovery School District.