FL H1359

Creates a new "retention contract" for instructional personnel lasting longer than 1 school year, available to employees with professional certification who are rated effective or highly effective and recommended by the superintendent

Changes annual contracts from discretionary ("may award") to mandatory ("shall award") for instructional personnel meeting specified criteria, effective July 1, 2020

Allows annual contracts to be non-renewed with or without cause, while retention contracts can only be denied if cause exists

Requires employees to hold an active professional or temporary certificate and be recommended by the superintendent based on evaluation under s. 1012.34 to receive an annual contract

Disqualifies employees from annual contracts if they receive two consecutive unsatisfactory ratings, two unsatisfactory ratings within 3 years, or three consecutive needs improvement ratings