IL HB4301

Allows school districts spanning 3 counties (one with population exceeding 1,000,000) that employ properly licensed assistant superintendents or directors in instruction, finance, special education, assessments, and career and technology education to appoint a chief executive officer instead of a superintendent by majority board vote.

Requires the chief executive officer to possess recognized administrative ability and management experience, hold a master's degree, have 5+ years of administrative employment with the district, and assume all powers and duties of a superintendent.

Exempts the chief executive officer from educator qualification requirements under Section 21B-15 for 5 years, with potential reappointment if substantial progress toward standard or alternative administrative licensure is demonstrated.

Permits superintendent and chief executive officer contracts under either single-year agreements or performance-based contracts not exceeding 5 years, with performance-based contracts linked to student performance and academic improvement goals.

Makes technical changes to reflect that both superintendents and chief executive officers may serve in superintendent roles for contract and multi-year agreement provisions.