House Subcommittee Narrowly Advances Legislation Allowing the Election of Superintendents

Stock photo of voting stickers (Photo by Unsplash)

The House Education Administration Subcommittee narrowly advanced legislation on Tuesday by a 3-2 vote that would allow school district superintendents to be elected by voters.

Currently, superintendents in Tennessee are appointed by local school districts, but House Bill 1849 would allow counties or municipalities the option to hold an election instead.

What the Bill Would Do

Under the legislation, superintendent elections would first need approval by a majority vote of the local legislative body. The elected superintendent would hold the same powers and duties as an appointed superintendent and serve a four-year term. Existing superintendent contracts would be protected, and if an election is held before a contract expires, the county or municipality would be responsible for paying the remainder of the contract.

The bill also requires the State Board of Education to establish minimum requirements for a license to become a superintendent, which must include holding a teacher’s professional license with endorsement as principal or supervisor of instruction, holding a master’s degree, and having at least five years of experience, including both teaching and administrative experience.

“From an operational standpoint, the school system would still operate as it is now,” said bill sponsor Representative Ed Butler, R-Rickman. “There is some language in the bill that would prevent a county commission from voting this into place, and a current school superintendent being terminated in the middle of the contract unless they brought it out.”

Bipartisan Opposition

The legislation faced opposition from members of both political parties on the subcommittee, including House Education Committee Chair Mark White, R-Memphis.

Opponents worry that it would limit school boards' ability to conduct a broad search for the most qualified candidates. The current system of school board-appointed superintendents operates more like a business, with a superintendent directly accountable to the school board.

Representative White also expressed reservations about holding an August election for superintendent.

“My concern has always been, and I've seen negative and positive on both sides, really, but if you don't have an elected superintendent, usually the election is (in August), like when the school board (elections) are, and so you have a person running for office those three months,” White said. “June, July, and August (are) critical to get ready for school.”

What Happens Next

The bill now heads to the full Education Committee for a vote next week.

Senate leaders haven’t scheduled a vote in the Senate Education Committee on that chamber’s version of the bill.