In the near future, I plan to reintroduce legislation to amend the Public School Code to enhance transparency to the hiring processes of school boards and intermediate units.
 
Under this proposed legislation, when a school board extends an offer of employment to a district superintendent, assistant superintendent, associate superintendent, or principal, the terms of the offer must be publicly posted on the school district’s website. The posting must include the salary, contract length, and other terms of employment. This information must be posted after the offer is made and at least two weeks before the school board formally approves the offer.
 
Additionally, the legislation mandates that intermediate units follow the same procedure for publicly posting employment contracts for positions such as executive director or assistant executive director. The posting must include details of the salary, terms, and contract length and must occur at least two weeks before the contract is officially approved.
 
In 2016, Auditor General DePasquale released a disturbing audit of the Connellsville School District. Among his many criticisms, he cited a shocking lack of transparency in the hiring of the superintendent. Despite assurances that a nationwide search would take place, the superintendent was hired without public notice, through a last-minute addition to the school board’s agenda. As the Auditor General stated in his press release: “This is outrageous, especially since the public was not notified before the board voted on the superintendent’s hiring.”
 
This legislation will ensure that taxpayers have an opportunity to review the terms of employment contracts for key school district and intermediate unit positions and provide feedback or express concerns to their elected officials. In an era of tight budgets and rising property taxes, it’s essential that the hiring process be as transparent and open as possible.
 
This legislation was formerly Senate Bill 128 during the 2023-24 Session and was co-sponsored by Senators Coleman and Mastriano.
 
I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact Jeffrey Ivicic in my office at jivicic@pasen.gov.