MS HB920

Removes the restriction limiting charter school conversion to only "chronically under-performing public schools," allowing any public school in Mississippi to apply for conversion to charter school status.

Moves the earliest operational date for conversion charter schools from July 1, 2013 to July 1, 2012.

Permits charter schools operating under the previous charter school statutes (Sections 37-28-1 through 37-28-21, repealed July 1, 2009) to continue operating under their existing charters until expiration.

Maintains requirements that conversion charter schools be nonsectarian, tuition-free, subject to state financial audits, and accountable to state academic performance standards and the No Child Left Behind Act.

Establishes that conversion charter schools are governed by five-member local management boards composed of parents or guardians of enrolled students, subject to oversight by the State Board of Education for academic matters and local school boards for administrative matters.