MS HB118

Authorizes the State Board of Education to approve up to 5 districts of innovation per year for 5-year initial periods with renewable 5-year terms to improve student educational performance.

Requires the State Board to promulgate administrative rules and regulations by December 31, 2013 specifying application procedures, evaluation criteria, areas of exemption, and oversight responsibilities for districts of innovation.

Mandates that all districts and schools of innovation maintain compliance with health, safety, civil rights, disability rights, compulsory attendance, high school course requirements, state assessments, financial audits, background checks, and open records/meeting laws.

Permits approved districts of innovation to request exemptions from certain state regulations and local policies for areas including alternative staffing arrangements, extended school days, virtual schools, flexible calendars, and modified funding formulas for nontraditional programming.

Requires applicant districts to establish performance goals, document community and educator support, identify needed changes, provide detailed waiver rationales, and demonstrate sound fiscal management and professional development plans.