1. If the board of a school district contemplates not renewing the contract of an individual employed as a teacher, a principal, or as an associate or assistant superintendent, the board shall, no earlier than March first nor later than April fifteenth: a. Provide written notification of the contemplated nonrenewal to the individual. b. Schedule a hearing to be held on or before April twenty-first for the purpose of discussing and acting upon the contemplated nonrenewal. c. Provide written notification of the date, time, and place for the hearing to the individual. d. Provide written notification of the reasons for the contemplated nonrenewal to the individual. 2. The reasons for the contemplated nonrenewal of the individual's contract must not be frivolous or arbitrary. The reasons must be sufficient to justify the contemplated nonrenewal and must: a. Originate from specific findings documented in the report of the individual's performance required by section 15.1-15-01 and relate to the individual's ability, competence, or qualifications; or b. Originate from the needs of the district in justifying a reduction in the staff.
15.1-15-05.1. Principal - Employed for less than two years - Notification of nonrenewal. 1. If the board of a school district elects not to renew the contract of a principal, an assistant superintendent, or an associate superintendent, who has been employed by the board in that position for less than two years, the board shall provide written notice
of the nonrenewal to the individual before May first. At the request of the individual, the board shall meet with the individual, in executive session, to convey the reasons for the nonrenewal. 2. No claim for libel or slander may be brought regarding any communication made at an executive session held in accordance with this section.