Indiana Lawmakers Approve Looser Superintendent Rules

Indiana's local school superintendents would no longer have to hold a state superintendent's or teacher's license under a proposal that has won final legislative approval.

The House voted 55-40 on Monday to approve the bill that cleared the Senate this month only after Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann cast a tie-breaking vote in favor of it.

The bill requires that the district superintendent have a master's degree, a change from current requirements that superintendents have a teaching license and complete graduate school work in education administration.

Bill sponsor Rep. Todd Huston of Fishers says the change would give local school boards more flexibility in picking top administrators.

Opponents worry the state would be lowering standards by allowing superintendents without classroom experience.

The bill now goes to the governor for consideration.