KRS § 160.350 — KY Code / Title XIII / Chapter 160 / Section 160.350
160.350 Superintendent of schools -- Appointment -- Term -- Vacancy -- Qualifications -- Removal -- Contract extension
Status: in_force

160.350 Superintendent of schools -- Appointment -- Term -- Vacancy --

Qualifications -- Removal -- Contract extension.

(1) After considering the recommendations of a screening committee, as provided in

KRS 160.352, each board of education shall appoint a superintendent of schools

whose term of office shall begin on July 1, following the individual's appointment.

The appointment may be for a term of no more than four (4) years. In the event a

vacancy occurs in the office of superintendent prior to the expiration of the term set

by the board, the term shall expire on the date the vacancy occurs. Therefore, the

board may appoint a superintendent for a new term as provided in this subsection,

which shall begin on the date of the superintendent's appointment, except when the

vacancy occurs after a school board election and before the newly elected members

take office. When a vacancy occurs during this period, the position shall not be

filled until the new members take office, but the board may appoint an acting

superintendent to serve a term not to exceed six (6) months. This appointment may

be renewed once for a period not to exceed three (3) months. If a vacancy occurs, a

local board may also appoint an acting superintendent during the period the

screening committee pursuant to KRS 160.352 conducts its business and prior to the

actual appointment of the new superintendent. No superintendent shall resign

during a term and accept a new term from the same board of education prior to the

expiration date of the present term. In the case of a vacancy in the office for an

unexpired term, the board of education shall make the appointment so that the term

will end on June 30. The board shall set the salary of the superintendent to be paid

in regular installments.

(2) An individual shall not assume the duties of superintendent in a district until he or

she provides the board of education with a copy of a certificate for school

superintendent issued by the Education Professional Standards Board or its legal

predecessor. A superintendent shall hold a valid certificate throughout the period of

employment. A superintendent shall successfully complete the training program and

assessment center process within two (2) years of assuming the duties of

superintendent. A superintendent shall not serve as director or officer of a bank,

trust company, or savings or loan association that has the school district's funds on

deposit. Following appointment, the superintendent shall establish residency in

Kentucky.

(3) A superintendent of schools may be removed for cause by a vote of four-fifths (4/5)

of the membership of a board of education and upon approval by the commissioner

of education. However, if the dismissal of the superintendent has been

recommended by a highly skilled certified educator pursuant to KRS 158.6455 and

the action is approved by the commissioner of education, the board shall terminate

the superintendent's contract. Written notice setting out the charges for removal

shall be spread on the minutes of the board and given to the superintendent. The

board shall seek approval by the commissioner of education for removing the

superintendent. The commissioner of education shall investigate the accuracy of the

charges made, evaluate the superintendent's overall performance during the

superintendent's appointment, and consider the educational performance of the

students in the district. Within thirty (30) days of notification, the commissioner of

education shall either approve or reject the board's request.

(4) After the completion of a superintendent's first contract or after four (4) years,

whichever comes last, the board of education may, no later than June 30, extend the

contract of the superintendent for one (1) additional year beyond the current term of

employment.