County Superintendents - Contracts - Required Provisions (Superintendent Buyout Limit)

HB 1317 requires Maryland county school boards to include specific termination terms in contracts with county superintendents. If a contract ends before its full term, the superintendent must receive a cash settlement equal to one year’s pay (plus one month per additional full year remaining), or just the remaining term’s pay if less than one year remains. The bill also mandates that superintendents retain health benefits for one year after termination or until they secure new employment, whichever comes first. These provisions apply to all new contracts signed on or after July 1, 2025, and exclude superintendents removed under specific disciplinary procedures. The law directly affects county superintendents and school boards in Maryland.