TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Parents and lawmakers are voicing concerns over a bill that would change how Hillsborough County’s superintendent is chosen.
The proposal, introduced by Hillsborough County Representative Michael Owen, would allow voters, not the school board, to decide who leads the district.
Representative Michele Rayner questioned why the change is needed.
“I’m trying to understand what (is) the problem we have now that you’re trying to solve with the system that we have now,” she said.
Owen compared the superintendent position to the role of sheriff.
“The members of Hillsborough County determine how the sheriff is elected, how he or she is qualified,” Owen said. “In the same manner, if you have more education than someone else, I believe that helps you when you’re running for