NC H1080

Establishes the Achievement School District (ASD), a statewide school unit under the State Board of Education to supervise and operate low-performing elementary schools selected as achievement schools.

Appoints an ASD Superintendent recommended by a selection committee chaired by the Lieutenant Governor, with annual reporting to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on ASD operations and school progress.

Authorizes selection of up to five low-performing qualifying schools per year to transfer to ASD management by private operators under five-year contracts, with geographic diversity and no more than one school per local district without local consent.

Provides ASD schools with waivers from state rules and regulations (minimum compliance with charter school requirements), direct operator control over school finances, staffing, and curriculum, and separate funding allocations from state and local sources.

Establishes Innovation Zones allowing local school boards to operate up to three low-performing schools with charter-like autonomy for up to five years, with optional three-year extensions based on performance metrics.