HB538 By Representatives Collins, Baker, McMillan, Rich, Beech, Black, Greer, Johnson (K), Patterson, Whorton (R), Williams (P), Pettus, Nordgren, Robinson and Davis RFD Education Policy Rd 1 12-APR-16

SYNOPSIS: Under existing law, the State Superintendent of Education is appointed by the State Board of Education and serves at the pleasure of the state board.

This bill would provide for the appointment of the Superintendent of Education by the Governor, would provide that the superintendent would serve as a member of the Governor's Cabinet, and would condition the effectiveness upon the approval of a constitutional amendment.

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT

To amend Section 16-4-1, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the State Superintendent of Education, to provide for the appointment of the superintendent by the Governor; to provide that the superintendent would serve as a member of the Governor's Cabinet; and would provide for a conditional effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:Section 1. Section 16-4-1, Code of Alabama 1975, is amended to read as follows:

§16-4-1.

"(a) As the chief executive officer of the State Department of Education there shall be a State Superintendent of Education, who shall be appointed by the State Board of Education Governor and shall serve at the pleasure of the State Board of Education; provided, however that the State Board of Education may enter into a contract with the State Superintendent of Education for his services for a period not to exceed four years Governor. The superintendent shall serve as a member of the Governor's Cabinet and shall advise the Governor on matters relating to education.

"(b) The Superintendent of Education shall be a person of good moral character, with academic and professional education equivalent to graduation from a standard university or college, who is knowledgeable in school administration and has training and experience sufficient to qualify him to perform the duties of his or her office.

"The salary of the State Superintendent of Education shall be such amount per annum as shall be set by the State Board of Education in an amount within the range now or hereafter established by law the same as provided to other members of the Governor's Cabinet, to be paid in installments from the annual appropriation of the State Department of Education."

Section 2. This act shall become effective only upon the ratification of an amendment to Amendment No. 284 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, that would provide for the appointment of the Superintendent of Education by the Governor.

Education

Superintendent of Education, State

Governor

Code Amended