DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Dixon HB No. 179
Abstract: Relative to employment contracts for school employees who are promoted or
employed in a position of higher salary, requires a superintendent, prior to a school
board's approval of any such initial or subsequent contract, to disclose all terms of such a
contract to the board.
Present law provides relative to promotions to and employment of school employees into
positions of higher salary. Provides in part that, except as authorized for the term of a
superintendent of schools, employment of school employees being promoted or employed in a
position of higher salary shall be for a term of at least two years and not more than four years, the
term to be specified in a written performance contract. Excepts employment in a temporary
position. Relative to subsequent contracts between an employee and the board upon expiration
of a contract, requires the superintendent to notify the employee of termination of employment no
less than 120 days prior to the contract's expiration, and alternatively authorizes the board and the
employee to negotiate and enter into a contract for subsequent employment. Requires the board
to negotiate and offer a new contract at the expiration of each existing contract unless the
superintendent recommends otherwise based upon the employee's evaluation or for other
specified reasons. Also provides relative to removal during the term of a contract for specified
causes.
Proposed law retains present law and additionally requires the superintendent, prior to the board's
approval of any initial or subsequent contract of employment pursuant to present law, to disclose
all terms of such a contract to the board.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 17:444(B)(4)(d))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill.
1. Deletes all proposed law, including these provisions:
(a)The requirement that a contract be presented to the board for review before the
contract is entered into, together with specified information, including the
name of the person to whom the contract will be offered, salary and other compensation and benefits provided, contract term and date it takes effect, and
other information.
(b)The requirement that contracts be for two years, unless the board requires a
longer term for a specific contract.
(c)The prohibition against offering a new contract at the expiration of an existing
contract earlier than 120 days prior to such expiration.
2. Replaces deleted proposed law with a requirement that a superintendent disclose all
terms of a contract to the board.