Florida Lawmaker Proposes Electing Hillsborough Schools Superintendent

Republican State Representative Michael Owen has proposed a bill to make the Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent an elected position rather than one appointed by the school board. This change would align Hillsborough with 38 other Florida counties that already elect their superintendents, though it remains unusual nationwide. Owen argues this shift would give parents more control over the leadership of their children's education and make the superintendent more accountable to voters rather than the school board. However, the proposal has met opposition from local educators and leaders who worry it could politicize the role and potentially result in unqualified candidates being elected. Critics also fear that election campaigns would detract time and focus from students and educational priorities. If passed by the Legislature, the change would still require voter approval in a subsequent election.