(a) Within the limits of available appropriations, the Commissioner of Education shall establish a program to encourage local and regional boards of education to develop innovative programs for educational improvement. Local and regional boards of education may file an application to participate in the program in such form and at such time as the commissioner requires. Each application shall include a plan developed by the local or regional board of education, in consultation with the teachers employed in the school or school system for which such application is being made. Proposed plans shall provide for an evaluation process to measure academic progress and school improvement resulting from participation in the program. For purposes of the program, the commissioner may waive requirements under chapters 163, 168, 170 to 173, inclusive, and chapter 164, except for the provisions relating to special education required under federal law, and regulations adopted pursuant to said chapters, provided each application identifies (A) the specific statutes or regulations from which a waiver is requested, if any, and (B) the manner in which each waiver is expected to assist in achieving specified educational benefits. Local and regional boards of education may cooperate with businesses and nonprofit organizations in developing and implementing such plans and may receive and expend private funds for purposes of this section.

(b) The Commissioner of Education may set aside up to ten per cent of the funds appropriated for purposes of this section to provide, on a competitive basis, minigrants to teachers in public schools for the development or use of innovative curricula, teaching aids or teaching methods. The amount of a minigrant shall not exceed five hundred dollars. The Department of Education may contract with a regional educational service center for purposes of this subsection.

(c) The commissioner shall, annually, report, in accordance with the provisions of § 11-4a, on the program to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education.