Connecticut House Bill HB05192

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/13
• Refer: 1/11/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Certification Requirements For Superintendents Of Schools.

Impact

The bill seeks to broaden the pool of potential candidates for the role of superintendent by recognizing high-level state service as an equivalent qualification to local administrative experience. Proponents of this change argue that it could attract qualified individuals who may not have traditional local school administrative experience but possess valuable insights from their work in state agencies. This shift could lead to a more diverse range of candidates for superintendent positions, potentially enhancing leadership quality within local school districts.

Summary

House Bill 05192 aims to amend the certification requirements for superintendents of schools in Connecticut. The bill proposes that candidates for superintendent certification may substitute three years of experience as an education consultant in a state agency for ten months of required full-time administrative or supervisory experience in public schools. This substitution is capped, allowing a maximum of nine years of such high-level state service to replace thirty months of local administrative experience.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked debates regarding the necessity and effectiveness of substituting state service for local experience. Critics are concerned that the proposed changes may dilute the expectations of local administrative experience that they believe are essential for effective school leadership. They worry that superintendents elected under these new requirements might lack the necessary understanding of local educational challenges, which could impede their ability to address the specific needs of their districts. Proponents argue that the skills gained in state agencies can be equally beneficial, thus fostering a more versatile leadership framework in Connecticut's education system.