Revision: Oct. 10, 2023, 3:18 p.m.
2024 SESSION
24-2640.0
12/05
HOUSE BILL [bill number]
AN ACT relative to credentials for the position of superintendent of schools and school business officer.
SPONSORS: [sponsors]
COMMITTEE: [committee]
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ANALYSIS
This bill establishes required credentials for school superintendents and school business officers.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
24-2640.0
12/05
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Four
AN ACT relative to credentials for the position of superintendent of schools and school business officer.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Sections; School Superintendent and School Business Officer; Required Credentials. Amend RSA 186 by inserting after section 8 the following new sections:
186:8-a School Superintendent; Credentials Required. The following credentials shall be required for licensure as a school superintendent:
I. A provisional license requires an individual to possess completion of at least 3 full years of employment in an executive management or leadership role or in a supervisory, teaching, or administrative role in a public/charter school, private school, higher education, or other educational setting accepted by the department and a passing score on a communication and literacy skills test.
II. An initial license requires an individual to possess a license in another educational role or provisional superintendent or assistant superintendent license and completion of 3 full years of employment in a district-wide, school-based, or other educational setting, demonstration of successful application of the professional standards for administrative leadership set forth through completion of one of the following:
(a) An approved post-baccalaureate program of studies including a supervised practicum/practicum equivalent of 500 hours or more in the superintendent or assistant superintendent role.
(b) An administrative apprenticeship or internship of 500 hours or more in the superintendent or assistant superintendent role with a trained mentor, using department guidelines.
(c) A passing score on a communication and literacy skills test.
(d) A panel review of the applicant's education, experience, and qualifications.
III. A professional license requires an individual to possess an initial license as superintendent or assistant superintendent, completion of a one-year induction program with a trained mentor, and at least 3 full years of employment as a licensed initial superintendent or assistant superintendent.
186:8-b School Business Officer; Credentials Required. The following credentials shall be required for licensure as a school business officer:
I. For an initial license, the individual shall:
(a) Possess an initial licensure in another educational role and completion of 3 full years or more of employment in a district-wide, school-based, or other educational setting. Alternatively, the individual shall possess 3 full years or more of employment in a business management or business administration setting accepted by the department.
(b) Demonstrate subject matter knowledge in the following areas: financial planning and management methods, accounting systems, municipal and school finance laws and regulations, personnel matters including contract negotiations, purchasing and district level facilities management, insurance, payroll, scheduling, and human resources management of federal and state appropriations for special services such as special education, food, and transportation.
(c) Demonstrate successful application of appropriate professional standards for administrative leadership as determined in department guidelines, and successful application of school business administrator subject matter knowledge through completion of either an approved post-baccalaureate program of studies including a supervised practicum or practicum equivalent of 300 hours or more in the school business administrator role, or an administrative apprenticeship or internship of 300 hours or more in the school business administrator role with a trained mentor using department guidelines.
(d) Earn a passing score on the communication and literacy skills test.
(e) Participate in a panel review that is limited to those candidates who have either completed a post-baccalaureate program in management or administration at an accredited college or university or have 3 full years of employment in an executive management or leadership, supervisory, or administrative role.
II. A professional license requires the possession of an initial license as school business administrator, completion of a one-year induction program with a trained mentor, and at least 3 full years of employment while possessing an initial school business administrator license.
2 Rulemaking. Amend RSA 186:11-a to read as follows:
186-B:11-a Rulemaking Authority; Board of Education. The state board of education shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, to carry out the provisions of this chapter, including, but not limited to the credentials required for licensure as a school superintendent or school business officer.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.