MS SB2714

State Board of Education empowered to reconstitute Sunflower County School System as "Sunflower County-Fannie Lou Hamer Charter School District" and contract with experienced public charter school organizations to manage and operate the district with autonomy over finance, personnel, curriculum, and instruction.

Charter school applicant must select and implement at least 10 of 12 specified conditions including mandatory parent involvement, zero tolerance programs (teen pregnancy, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, violence), collaboration with health center for student screenings, employment of social worker, and flexible/extended school schedules.

If district meets minimum 10 conditions, state must provide supplemental funding to ensure district receives minimum $100,000 net value per mill levied (up to 30 mills) and conduct annual evaluations; funding discontinues if less than 70% of selected items are not completed or pursued successfully.

If charter school conditions are not met, Sunflower County school districts under conservatorship shall be administratively consolidated into single countywide district with new county board elected in November 2013 special election, effective July 1, 2014.

State Board of Education directed to issue rules and regulations for charter school operation application process and agreements by July 1, 2013; act effective July 1, 2013.