The bill amends the Revised School Code to establish a "learner-first district" in Michigan, aimed at enhancing public educational services by giving parents and legal guardians more choices in their children's education. This district will be governed by a board appointed by the governor, which will have the authority to contract with educational providers, including individual teachers. Key provisions include allowing parents to directly hire teachers, maintaining an open registry of qualified individuals for instruction, and developing an evaluation system for educational providers. The legislation emphasizes innovative educational models, mastery-based learning, and the integration of technology in education.

Additionally, the bill mandates that each pupil in the learner-first district has access to a comprehensive core academic curriculum and must take all state assessments. The district is responsible for maintaining transcripts and awarding credits based on objective measures of student achievement. It also outlines requirements for operational transparency and fiscal control, ensuring compliance with state educational regulations. The formation of the learner-first district is presumed valid unless legally challenged within 60 days, and while it is designated as an intermediate school district for special education services, it is prohibited from levying property taxes for special education funding, relying instead on transfers from intermediate school districts as needed.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 380.4, 380.5