HB 17-1178

House Bill 17-1178, known as "Administrative Flexibility for School Districts," allows rural school districts in Colorado to hire nonlicensed individuals to fill vacant teacher positions when there's a critical shortage of licensed teachers. The district must first try to find a licensed teacher and then get approval from the board of education before hiring someone without a teaching license. Additionally, the bill provides these districts with a process to request waivers for certain rules or statutes if needed. This bill has been signed into law, meaning rural school districts can now implement these changes immediately.

Official Summary

Sections 1 through 5. The bill allows a rural school district to hire a nonlicensed person to fill a vacant licensed teacher position if, after trying to fill the position with a licensed teacher, the board of education of the district passes a resolution declaring a critical shortage of licensed teachers. The hiring school district must provide professional development and support to the nonlicensed person. The nonlicensed person is subject to the same employment and evaluation provisions that apply to licensed teachers. Section 6. The bill creates a process and standard by which a rural school district, group of rural school districts, or board of cooperative services may obtain waivers of statutes and rules. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

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