Sec. 3. (a) Two (2) or more teachers and:

(1) a principal;

(2) a superintendent; or

(3) any combination of individuals described in either subdivision (1) or (2);

who are currently employed by a school corporation may submit a plan to a board for the establishment of an innovation network school.

(b) In considering whether to approve a plan submitted under this section, the board may consider innovations in the following areas:

(1) Whether the plan:

(A) increases teacher salaries;

(B) achieves financial sustainability for teacher salary increases under clause (A) by reallocating other funds, including local, private, state, or federal funds; and

(C) develops measures for determining how the innovations or teacher empowerment:

(i) improves the quality of classroom instruction; and

(ii) increases the attractiveness of teaching.

(2) Class size and schedule.

(3) Length of school day or year.

(4) Use of technology to deliver highly effective instruction.

(5) Staffing models for teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators.

(6) Teacher recruitment, training, preparation, and professional development.

(7) School governance and the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of principals in innovation network schools.

(8) Preparation and counseling of students for transition to higher education or careers.

(9) Whether the plan incorporates a school model that uses job redesign or technology to extend the reach of effective or highly effective teachers to more students for more pay within budget.

(c) A board that approves a plan under this section may request a grant from the state board under IC 20-25.7-7 for costs associated with the development and implementation of a plan developed under this section. The board shall apply for the grant from the state board in a manner prescribed by the state board.

As added by P.L.214-2015, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.118-2016, SEC.4.