This bill proposes significant updates to the current statutes regarding performance-based pay for school district superintendents. Under the new provisions, a school district may award performance-based pay to a superintendent only if specific criteria are met, including the superintendent achieving established performance goals, the district's average assessment scores being at least equal to the state's average, and approval of the pay by a two-thirds majority of the governing board in a public meeting. Additionally, the bill mandates that each school district submit annual reports detailing performance-based pay awarded to superintendents, which will be reviewed by the county school superintendent and reported to the Arizona Department of Education.

The bill also introduces civil penalties for violations of these performance-based pay requirements. If a school district is found to be in violation, the Attorney General or county attorney may investigate and take legal action, with potential penalties of up to $1,000 imposed on individual governing board members responsible for approving non-compliant performance pay. Furthermore, governing board members found liable for violations must pay any imposed penalties and seek to recover any improperly awarded performance pay to remain eligible for reelection. These changes aim to enhance accountability and ensure that performance-based pay aligns with established educational standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-341, 15-503.01, 15-717.01, 15-701, 15-701.01, 15-481, 15-491, 15-342, 15-1224, 15-1125, 15-1126, 15-1223, 13-3108, 13-3120, 15-764, 15-761, 13-706, 13-105, 15-157, 15-107, 2008-2009, 39-101, 36-2267, 3-365, 41-5701.02, 41-5711, 15-1102
House Engrossed Version: 15-341, 15-503.01, 15-717.01, 15-701, 15-701.01, 15-481, 15-491, 15-342, 15-1224, 15-1125, 15-1126, 15-1223, 13-3108, 13-3120, 15-764, 15-761, 13-706, 13-105, 15-157, 15-107, 2008-2009, 39-101, 36-2267, 3-365, 41-5701.02, 41-5711, 15-1102