Substitute Bill No. 1371 seeks to reform the process for terminating teacher contracts by establishing a just cause standard for both non-tenured and tenured teachers. This replaces the previous provision that allowed for termination without demonstrating just cause. The bill also removes the ability of a board of education to rescind a nonrenewal decision solely on the grounds of it being arbitrary and capricious. Additionally, it mandates that termination hearings for tenured teachers be conducted before a neutral hearing officer, rather than the board of education, ensuring a more impartial process. Hearings must commence within fifteen calendar days of a request, and the decision made by the hearing officer will be binding, with costs shared between both parties.

Furthermore, the bill grants superintendents the authority to suspend teachers immediately in cases of serious misconduct while preserving the teachers' rights. It allows for appeals to the Superior Court within thirty calendar days for those aggrieved by decisions made by the board or hearing officer, with the court required to prioritize these cases. The board or hearing officer must provide a complete transcript of the hearing and related board meeting minutes to the court, which will review the proceedings and can affirm or reverse decisions based on legal standards. Costs will only be imposed on the board of education in cases of gross negligence, bad faith, or malice. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and amends sections 10-151(c) to (e) of current law.