MS HB989

Creates the Mississippi Achievement School District as a statewide district to oversee public schools receiving "F" ratings for two consecutive school years or persistently underperforming schools.

Establishes that the State Board of Education governs the district and appoints a superintendent with demonstrated experience improving failing schools; superintendent has significant autonomy in personnel, financial, and operational decisions.

Requires schools designated "F" for two consecutive years to transfer to the Achievement School District by the beginning of the next school year; allows gradual transition only if determined to be in the school's best interest.

Allows the Achievement School District superintendent to hire new personnel and may terminate existing staff; only highly qualified individuals with demonstrated success may be employed; exempts district employees from state teacher tenure laws.

Provides that the Achievement School District receives state funding based on average daily membership and local ad valorem tax receipts from the original school district; district controls all property, facilities, and finances of absorbed schools.