This bill seeks to promote educational innovation in Minnesota by amending existing laws related to innovation zones and the P-TECH approval process. Key changes include a new requirement for school districts to publish their program plans and evaluation outcomes on their websites, as well as transferring the approval authority for P-TECH programs from the commissioner of education to local school boards. This shift allows local boards to assess the appropriateness of their plans independently. Additionally, the bill introduces an advisory panel to review innovation zone plans, emphasizing collaboration among school districts, higher education institutions, and business partners.

The legislation also reorganizes statutes concerning education innovation and repeals a subdivision related to the innovation research pilot program, streamlining the implementation of innovative educational models. It underscores the need for equitable geographic distribution of approved P-TECH schools and permits the submission of innovation zone plans at any time, provided they do not increase state aid or levies for participating partners. The establishment of the "Innovation Research Zones Pilot Program" and its advisory panel, composed of members from various educational organizations and experts in evaluation and research, aims to ensure that proposed plans are thoroughly evaluated and effectively implemented.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 124D.085, 124D.093