HB279 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Elaine Beech

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Education, State Superintendent of Education may certify organizations to assist in providing local board of education member training, newly elected or appointed members required to take orientation provided by local superintendent of education, Sec. 16-1-41.1 am'd.

Summary

HB279 would create a state-certified training system for local boards of education, require new members to attend a local orientation, and establish governance standards with sanctions for noncompliance.

What This Bill Does

The bill allows the State Superintendent of Education to certify organizations that can provide the required training for local board of education members. It requires newly elected or appointed members to attend an orientation session within 30 days, conducted by the local superintendent, with that orientation counting toward the annual training requirement. It also sets up governance standards and a code of conduct for board members, and creates sanctions (such as censure or disqualification from future service) for failure to meet training or conduct requirements, with procedures for investigations and approvals by the State Board of Education.

Who It Affects

• Local boards of education members (current and new) who must complete certified training, follow the code of conduct, and may face sanctions for noncompliance.
• Local superintendents of education who must provide the new member orientation and implement local policies related to training and governance.

Key Provisions

• State Superintendent of Education may develop and certify training organizations to provide required training for local board of education members; only certified providers may fulfill training requirements.
• Newly elected or appointed board members must attend an orientation within 30 days, covering local school system policies and procedures, and this orientation counts toward the annual training requirement.
• Statewide governance standards, boardsmanship duties, and a code of conduct for local board members are established, with training aligned to these standards and roles.
• Board members may be sanctioned for neglect of duty or misconduct, including formal censure or disqualification from future service, subject to investigation, notices, hearings, and approval by the State Board of Education.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education