OK HB2131

Establishes the School District Empowerment Program administered by the State Board of Education to allow locally elected school boards to govern districts and make decisions based on local student needs and circumstances.

Permits school districts to request exemption from statutory requirements and State Board rules that charter schools are exempt from, with requests requiring a plan outlining goals, educational and fiscal benefits, and anticipated outcomes.

State Board of Education must approve or disapprove exemption requests within 90 days, provide written explanation if denied, and approved requests are valid for no longer than 3 years with annual assessment of academic achievement and fiscal status.

Participating districts must comply with 13 mandatory requirements including: student residency rights, teacher minimum salary schedules, Teachers' Retirement System participation, health insurance provisions, criminal background checks, teacher evaluations, employee payroll deductions, personnel due process procedures, teacher certification, employee negotiations, state curriculum requirements, state academic content standards, and school board member training.

Amends 70 O.S. 2011, Section 8-103 to modify Education Open Transfer Act deadlines: changes application filing deadline from April 1 to the first Monday in June, requires receiving districts to decide within 30 days of receipt, and gives parents 10 days to confirm enrollment.