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Senate floor splits over allowing non‑certified hires and larger school boards
Summary
Senators debated House Bill 119, which proposes larger school boards in big districts and allows districts to hire teachers or superintendents with outstanding professional qualifications even if not state‑certified. Supporters argued districts need flexibility; critics cautioned about accreditation, classroom management and the value of licensure.
The Senate spent significant floor time debating House Bill 119, a package of public‑education amendments that would change school board sizes and give larger districts latitude to hire superintendents or teachers based on professional qualifications rather than only state certification.
Senator Blackham, speaking for the bill, said it was intended to empower larger districts and noted the measure was worked out with stakeholders. "This bill indicates that larger school districts will have a Board of Education of 7," he said, and described provisions allowing hiring based on exceptional qualifications.
Senator Hall and others raised concerns about removing licensure requirements for classroom teachers. Hall warned that uncertified hires might lack classroom management skills despite high academic credentials and recounted a classroom experience of a retired veteran who left the job after a few days. "I do disagree that … if this individual wants to teach and teach long term, there's always been programs where they could get involved and address the licensing procedure," Hall said.
Supporters, including Senator Petersen and Senator Mansell, argued the bill grants local districts flexibility and can help attract outstanding candidates — including retired professionals and university faculty — without forcing them back through standard certification tracks. Questions on the fiscal note and local cost impacts were raised; sponsors noted the fiscal note said no direct state cost but acknowledged possible local district costs if additional board member benefits are provided.
Outcome: The floor debated amendments and procedural motions; the bill was discussed and managed under suspension of rules in the session but final action and the bill’s reading status reflected a continuation of deliberations on the calendar.
