Substitute Bill No. 1371 seeks to establish a just cause standard for the termination of teacher contracts, ensuring that both tenured and non-tenured teachers can only be terminated for valid reasons, as opposed to arbitrary decisions. The bill introduces a requirement for just cause in the termination process, replacing previous language that allowed for less accountability. It also modifies the hearing process, allowing teachers to request a hearing within ten calendar days of receiving termination notice, with hearings required to occur within a specified timeframe. Additionally, the bill clarifies the selection process for a neutral hearing officer and mandates a binding decision from the officer, which must be rendered within a set period, while sharing the associated costs between both parties.

Furthermore, the bill grants superintendents the authority to suspend teachers immediately in cases of serious misconduct, while preserving the rights of the teachers as per existing law. It allows for appeals to the Superior Court for teachers aggrieved by decisions made by a board of education or hearing officer, with a structured process similar to civil actions. The board or hearing officer must provide a complete transcript of the hearing proceedings to the court, which will review the case and can affirm or reverse decisions based on legal standards. Importantly, costs will not be imposed on the board of education unless gross negligence, bad faith, or malice is determined. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and amends sections 10-151(c) to (e) of current law.