MS HB1339

Requires the first school year following three consecutive years of failing classification to be designated a "transitional year" during which the school is transformed into a "new start school" under the Mississippi Recovery School District.

Mandates written notice to school employees and public notification in newspapers that the school will be transformed into a new start school if it receives a failing classification in the succeeding school year after two or more consecutive years of failing status.

Allows local school boards to appeal to the State Board of Education for a one-year delay before transformation, with the delay granted only if circumstances merit additional time for academic improvement.

Establishes requirements for new start schools including: performance evaluations of staff with potential termination of unsatisfactory employees, selection of principal by the deputy superintendent with parent and community input, professional development training for licensed personnel, and possible campus refurbishment.

Restricts superintendent travel to only mandated or State Department of Education-prescribed travel and reduces school board member per diem by half for districts with one or more failing schools designated for two or more consecutive years; effective July 1, 2012.