CT SB00351

Establishes a "just cause" standard of review for all teacher termination and nonrenewal decisions, replacing the previous "arbitrary and capricious" standard for non-tenured teachers

Requires termination hearings for tenured teachers to be held before an impartial hearing officer rather than the board of education or its subcommittee

Makes the hearing officer's written disposition binding on both parties, eliminating the board of education's authority to make final termination decisions

If parties cannot agree on a hearing officer within 5 calendar days, the American Arbitration Association will select one using its expedited process for neutral arbitrators

Changes the appeals process so that aggrieved parties may apply to Superior Court to confirm, vacate, or modify the arbitrator's award under existing arbitration statutes (sections 52-417 to 52-419)

Takes effect July 1, 2026