Missouri Assembly introduces House Bill 1365 for school administrator evaluations

The Missouri State Legislature has introduced House Bill 1365, a significant piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the evaluation process for school building administrators. Proposed by Representative Jacobs and introduced on February 19, 2025, the bill seeks to repeal and replace existing provisions in section 168.410 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, establishing new standards for evaluating school officials such as principals and assistant principals.

The primary purpose of House Bill 1365 is to ensure that evaluations of school administrators are comprehensive, ongoing, and based on specific performance metrics. The bill mandates that each school district's board of education implement a performance-based evaluation system that not only assesses the competency and academic ability of administrators but also incorporates student growth and assessment data into the evaluation criteria. This approach aims to create a more transparent and effective evaluation process that aligns with best practices in educational administration.

Key provisions of the bill include requirements for maintaining evaluation records in personnel files, providing copies of evaluations to the administrators being assessed, and utilizing research-based evaluation tools. These measures are designed to foster accountability and improve the overall quality of school leadership in Missouri.

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on accountability and educational standards, it has also sparked debates regarding the feasibility of implementing such comprehensive evaluations across diverse school districts. Critics express concerns about the potential administrative burden on schools and the adequacy of resources to support these evaluations effectively.

The implications of House Bill 1365 extend beyond administrative processes; they touch on the broader educational landscape in Missouri. By emphasizing performance metrics tied to student outcomes, the bill aims to enhance the quality of education that students receive, potentially leading to improved academic performance statewide.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders in education, including teachers, parents, and school administrators, will be closely monitoring its developments. The outcome of this legislation could set a precedent for how educational leadership is evaluated in Missouri, influencing future policies and practices in the state's schools.