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For Immediate
Release
5/10/11
Listen
Senate Passes Waugh Legislation to Ease
Hiring Restrictions for School Superintendents
HARRISBURG – The Senate approved legislation today
sponsored by Senator Mike Waugh (R-York) that would allow local school districts
to hire "non-educator" professionals as superintendents.
Under current law, school districts may only consider
candidates who have at least six years of teaching experience and have completed
a graduate program that includes Pennsylvania school leadership standards.
Senate Bill 858 would relax this restriction by giving school districts the
option to hire superintendents who have a graduate degree in business or
finance.
"It is important for school districts to have the
flexibility to benefit from the knowledge and experience of leaders in the
business community," Waugh said. "Expanding the pool of candidates will help
school districts choose the best person to lead their efforts to provide a
quality education to our young people at the lowest possible cost to local
taxpayers."
The legislation would require a new superintendent to
complete a leadership development program that meets Pennsylvania school
leadership standards. However, the current teaching experience requirements
would no longer be a prerequisite for a superintendent candidate under the
proposal.
Senate Bill 858 is part of a bipartisan package of
education mandate reforms that are designed to give school districts the
financial flexibility they need to continue to provide educational opportunities
for students without resorting to property tax increases.
Waugh's legislation was sent to the House of
Representatives for consideration.
Contact:
Erin Marsicano
(717) 787-3817
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