MS HB501

Requires all school board members to be elected at the same time as presidential or general statewide elections beginning November 2019 or 2020, with school board members serving four-year terms instead of varying lengths.

Divides school board elections into two groups: trustee districts 1, 3, and 5 elected in November 2019 and every four years thereafter; trustee districts 2 and 4 elected in November 2020 and every four years thereafter.

Requires candidates to submit nomination petitions signed by at least 50 qualified electors (or 20% if fewer than 100 electors exist in the district) between 60-90 days before the election to appear on the ballot.

Exempts municipal separate and special municipal separate school districts with "A" or "B" accountability ratings from these election requirements, but revokes the exemption if ratings drop to "C," "D," or "F".

Establishes procedures for filling board vacancies through appointment by remaining board members within 60 days, with special elections held if board members cannot agree on an appointee.