Each elected district superintendent who completes the following described training program shall be certified eligible by the Commissioner for the annual special qualification salary authorized by Section 1001.47(4), F.S.

1. (1) Requirements for initial special qualification certification. In order to meet initial certification requirements, each superintendent shall meet all requirements outlined below within six (6) years after first taking office.

   1. (a) Successful completion of each of the following training institutes conducted by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents:

      1. “Core Concepts of Management for Florida School Superintendents” – 2 1/2 days.

      2. “Florida School Law” – 2 days.

      3. “Florida School Finance” – 2 days.

      4. “Principles of Collective Bargaining” – 2 days.

      5. “The School Curriculum” – 2 days (required only for superintendents not holding a degree in education from an accredited institution). Successful completion of these training institutes shall be determined by satisfactory attendance at each institute required and by the satisfactory performance on a written comprehensive examination developed from the content of the courses required in paragraph (1)(a) and administered by the Department.

   2. (b) Successful completion of at least five (5) additional training seminars or institutes of at least two (2) days duration each, approved by the Commissioner.

      1. A master’s or higher level degree from an accredited institution with a major in school administration, school supervision, public administration, business administration, or management may be substituted for the five (5) items required in paragraph (1)(b).

      2. College credit courses in school administration, supervision, public administration, business administration or management (not included as part of the degree in subparagraph 1. above), earned within three (3) years of initial certification may be substituted on a one-for-one basis for up to two (2) of the five (5) items required herein.

   3. (c) Three (3) years of successful experience as an administrator in a school or school district, or three (3) years of approved comparable managerial experience in either the public or the private sector. The Commissioner must specifically approve any such service outside a school or school district.

2. (2) Requirements for annual renewal of special qualification certification. In order to maintain eligibility for special qualification salary, each superintendent shall annually renew certification through satisfactory completion of a program of continuing education. Such program shall be completed within twelve (12) calendar months of either initial certification or annual recertification, whichever is applicable, through one (1) of the following methods:

   1. (a) Successful completion of a two and one-half (2 1/2) day institute entitled “Core Concepts of Management for Florida School Superintendents” conducted by the Florida Academy for School Leaders; or
   2. (b) Successful completion of two (2) management training seminars or institutes of at least two (2) days duration each, sponsored by the Department; or
   3. (c) Successful completion of one college course in school administration, supervision, public administration, business administration or management (not included as part of the degree or courses taken to receive the initial special qualification salary referred to in paragraph (1)(b)).

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02(1) FS. Law Implemented 1001.47(4) FS. History–New 5-27-81, Formerly 6A-1.551, Amended 12-3-85, 9-22-08.