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Bill > HB1941
OK HB1941
OK HB1941Schools; requiring district school superintendents to be elected officials instead of board-appointed; election procedures; candidate eligibility; voting registration; vacancies; salary; multi-district agreements; duties; effective date; emergency.
summary
Introduced
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
In Committee
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act relating to school superintendent elections; prescribing day and year of general elections for school superintendents; prescribing day and year of primaries for school superintendents; specifying ballot procedures for certain number of candidates; requiring a candidate to be elected based on primary results under certain circumstances; providing filing procedures, requirements, and locations for declarations of candidacy; establishing candidacy eligibility requirements; providing voting registration requirements; requiring local boards of education to deliver resolution regarding school superintendent vacancies; specifying resolution content; prescribing resolution filing periods; requiring local boards of education to publish notice and news release of certain elections; construing publication and news release requirements; clarifying how boards can fulfill the resolutions and notices requirements; establishing term for school superintendent vacancies; providing notification, declaration, and election processes for vacancies; allowing appointment by the local board for certain unfilled vacancies; requiring public comment period before filling certain vacancies; providing term for certain appointed vacancies; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 5-106, which relates to the governing body of a school district; changing reference from appointed superintendents to elected superintendents; eliminating reference to board-directed duties; clarifying duties of elected superintendents; eliminating provisions related to contractual agreements; providing compensation requirements for elected superintendents; allowing two or more school districts to vote for a shared agreement for certain superintendents; allowing local boards to discontinue shared agreements under certain circumstances; establishing notification and procedural requirements for discontinuance; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 5- 106A, which relates to employment contracts of multiple school districts; eliminating references to superintendents; prohibiting certain employees or relatives from being eligible to run for school superintendent; providing exemptions to eligibility prohibitions; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 5-117, which relates to local boards of education powers and duties; clarifying references; eliminating references to contractual superintendents; requiring elected superintendents to be recognized as certified administrators for their term of office; providing for codification; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
AI Summary
This bill fundamentally changes how school superintendents are selected in Oklahoma, shifting from board-appointed to publicly elected officials. The bill establishes that school superintendents will be elected during general elections in even-numbered years, beginning in 2028, with potential primary elections if more than two candidates are running. Candidates must have resided in their school district for at least six months and be registered voters within the district's boundaries. The legislation sets strict eligibility requirements, prohibiting current district employees or those closely related to board members or district employees from running for superintendent, with some exceptions for smaller districts. The bill also outlines detailed election procedures, including filing deadlines, candidate qualifications, and public notice requirements. Additionally, the bill addresses how superintendent vacancies will be filled, either through special elections or, in rare cases, board appointments, with provisions for public input. The legislation changes compensation processes, allowing boards to set superintendent salaries every two years with limited adjustment ranges, and permits districts to share superintendents through collaborative agreements. Importantly, elected superintendents will be recognized as certified administrators during their tenure, adding a professional credentialing aspect to the role.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Elections and Ethics (on 02/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1941&Session=2600 |
| State Bill Page | http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1941&Session=2500 |
| BillText | https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20INT/hB/HB1941%20INT.PDF |
| BillText | https://www3.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20INT/hB/HB1941%20INT.PDF |
| BillText | http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2025-26%20INT/hB/HB1941%20INT.PDF |
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