Amends TCA Title 49.

Under present law, the director of schools is an appointed position. This bill authorizes a county or municipality to vote to establish an elected superintendent of schools, instead of having a director of schools appointed by the board of education, upon two-thirds vote of the legislative body and approval of the voters in a referendum.<br /> <br /> If the office of elected superintendent is established pursuant to approval by the legislative body and voters, then an election would be held at the regular August election on the same basis as for other county officials. The four-year term of office would begin September 1.<br /> <br /> Under present law, an appointed director of schools must have a bachelor's degree. Under this bill, a candidate for the elected office of superintendent of schools must be someone of literary attainment and experience in teaching or school administration and the person must possess a license of qualification issued by the state board of education before being elected. The state board of education would establish requirements for a license of qualification for director of schools that must include:<br /> <br /> (1) The applicant must hold a teacher's professional license with endorsement as principal or supervisor of instruction; <br /> <br /> (2) The applicant must hold a master's degree with a major in educational administration; and <br /> <br /> (3) The applicant must have five years of teaching or administrative experience.<br />