Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 44897 to the contrary, the governing board of any school district shall, with respect to each person who is employed in an administrative or supervisory position requiring certification qualifications under a contract of employment providing a four-year term of employment and who either has not been previously employed by the district in such position or has been employed in such position but not under such a four-year contract, determine prior to May 15 of the third year under such four-year contract of employment whether to grant or deny the person permanent classification as a classroom teacher. If it grants such classification, the person shall be classified as and become a permanent employee as a classroom teacher.

(Enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010.)