TN HB0877

Converts Tennessee's pilot school turnaround program into a permanent program by removing "pilot" designations from existing statutes

Department of Education selects up to 5 priority schools annually (maximum 15 total at any time), with at least one school from each grand division to ensure geographic diversity

Participating schools develop turnaround plans in year one, then implement them for three years; progress is evaluated annually against federal ESSA exit criteria

Local boards must establish school turnaround committees (9 members including school board member, principal, 3 parents, and 4 teachers) and contract with independent turnaround experts from a state-approved list by November 30

Independent turnaround experts receive 50% of payment prorated during the contract term, with remaining 50% withheld until the school meets priority exit criteria; annual effectiveness reports due to legislature by October 1