Senate Bill 2774 Summary

• Authorizes two types of public charter schools in Mississippi: conversion charter schools (existing public schools converting to charter status) and open-enrollment public charter schools (new schools operating across district boundaries), effective July 1, 2011.

• Requires conversion charter schools to meet certain criteria, including majority parent approval and demonstrated academic improvement; initial charters last three years with potential renewal up to three additional years.

• Establishes open-enrollment public charter schools as nonprofit entities with a five-year pilot period, requiring applicants to demonstrate performance-based success and preference given to applicants serving high-poverty or low-reading districts.

• Provides per-pupil state funding to open-enrollment charter schools equal to base student cost without requiring local ad valorem tax contributions; conversion charter schools receive state and local funds like traditional public schools.

• Grants charter schools exemption from most state education regulations except for teacher strike prohibitions, student safety and intimidation laws, health regulations, and federal No Child Left Behind requirements; establishes probation and revocation procedures based on academic performance and financial solvency.