MS SB2558

Allows the State Board of Education to appoint a new five-member local school board after determining that impairments in a taken-over school district are substantially corrected and conservatorship is within one year of expiration.

Requires newly appointed board members to be residents of the school district and serve initially in an advisory capacity to the conservator for the first year.

Establishes staggered term lengths (one through five years) determined by lottery, enabling local residents to elect or appoint replacement board members on a phased-in basis as terms expire.

Prohibits former board members or superintendents in office when the state emergency was declared from serving in those offices after the conservatorship ends.

Exempts school districts placed into conservatorship on or after September 1, 2013, and located entirely south of U.S. Highway 80 from this procedure; the provision expires July 1, 2017.