MS HB589

Suspends home rule authority for all local school districts for a period of 3-5 years, effective July 1, 2018, with duration determined by a statewide governance assessment conducted by the State Board of Education and State Department of Education.

Transfers all decision-making and governance authority from local school boards to the State Department of Education upon notification of the improvement period, while local boards continue in an advisory capacity only.

Allows the State Board of Education and Department to gradually return certain governing matters to local school boards on a phased-in basis after the first year of state control, based on the level of oversight needed.

Requires the State Board of Education and Department to establish assessment criteria to determine the length of the administrative improvement period for each individual school district.

Repeals these improvement provisions on July 1, 2023, restoring local school board home rule authority.