MS SB2140

Transfers the Office of Educational Accountability from the State Department of Education to the Office of the Governor, effective July 1, 2016, with all personnel, records, assets, and unexpended funds transferred accordingly.

Replaces the State Board of Education-appointed director with an executive director appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, serving at the Governor's pleasure.

Expands the Office's responsibilities to independently evaluate the cost and educational impact of all State Department of Education programs and develop the annual Mississippi Report Card.

Authorizes the executive director to combine or abolish employee positions as necessary and requires annual assessments of the State Department of Education and education reform programs by December 1 each year.

Updates reporting timelines, changing the initial assessment deadline from 1996 to 2017, and clarifies that the Office reports to the Legislature, PEER Committee, Governor, and State Board of Education.