HB 1941 Summary

• Establishes elected superintendents beginning in 2028: General elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in even-numbered years; primary elections on the fourth Tuesday of August in even-numbered years if more than two candidates qualify.

• Sets candidate eligibility requirements: Must have resided in the district for at least 6 months before filing and be registered to vote within the district; prohibited from running if currently employed by the district or related within the second degree to board members or district employees (with limited exemptions).

• Defines superintendent duties and compensation: Elected superintendents become the executive officer with duties to enforce education-related law; annual compensation set by local board on or before the fourth Tuesday of August in odd-numbered years, with limits on increases/decreases of 5% (adjusted for inflation) unless district experiences budget shortfall exceeding 5%.

• Allows multi-district superintendent sharing agreements: Two or more school districts may vote to employ a single superintendent elected to serve all participating districts; boards may discontinue such agreements with 6 months' notice.

• Handles vacancies through election or appointment: If declared within first 14 days of November, filled through regular election; otherwise through special election; if no candidates file, board may appoint qualified person after 14-day public comment period.