Susan Davis: “This bipartisan amendment that I bring forward with my colleagues, Mr. Dold of Illinois and Mr. Polis of Colorado, would…”

“This bipartisan amendment that I bring forward with my colleagues, Mr. Dold of Illinois and Mr. Polis of Colorado, would clarify the definition of ``school leader'' currently contained in section 6101 of H.R. 5. Mr. Chairman, the current definition of ``school leader'' contained in this bill is problematic. As currently drafted, the definition fails to make clear to State and local school districts that a school leader is an individual who runs the operations and instructional programs within a school, as opposed to a district administrator who oversees individual schools' programs. As a result, States and local school districts might interpret this definition to apply to an assistant superintendent of curriculum or a subject matter content specialist who oversees instructional practices within an LEA but is not in a school building on a daily basis, such as a principal. This amendment removes this ambiguity by making it clear that the definition of ``school leader'' should apply as it was originally intended--directly and solely to a school principal. If left unchanged, it is possible that district administrators could become eligible for title II professional development funds currently aimed at improving the quality of our Nation's school principals. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, which ensures that title II funds go to the school leader, the person who is most responsible for student achievement. With that, Mr.…”