HB 1551 Summary

• Establishes the "Mississippi Public Charter Schools Act of 2013," creating a framework for public charter schools authorized by the State Board of Education with autonomy over finance, personnel, and curriculum while remaining part of the public education system.

• Prohibits conversion of private or parochial schools to charter schools; requires lottery-based admission if capacity is exceeded; allows enrollment preferences for returning students, siblings, and up to 10% children of school founders or employees.

• Limits charter school authorization to no more than four pilot schools per congressional district on a five-year initial term; requires State Board approval for all charter contracts and establishes performance frameworks based on student achievement, attendance, and fiscal management.

• Allocates state adequate education program funds to charter schools on per-pupil basis and requires local ad valorem tax transfers to charter schools from students' home districts; authorizes charter schools to accept gifts and grants.

• Exempts charter school employees from the Education Employment Procedures Law; requires 80% of teachers to be licensed and highly qualified; requires criminal background checks; mandates minimum 180-day school term and compulsory attendance compliance.