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Bill would let Office of Public Instruction hire retired teachers for up to five years
Summary
House Bill 349 would allow the Office of Public Instruction to hire retired educators for up to five years while they continue to receive retirement benefits; sponsors and education officials said the change is limited to OPI positions where no qualified applicants are available and is not expected to have a material fiscal impact.
Representative Nicola Nakolakakos (as introduced): "This is a straightforward bill that allows the Office of Public Instruction, known as OPI, to hire retired teachers for a position where they have otherwise been unable to find qualified applicants." Representative Nakolakakos told the committee House Bill 349 is intended to give OPI flexibility to fill specialized positions when qualified applicants are not available.
Deputy Superintendent Ron Whitmoyer, Department of Public Instruction, testified in strong support. Whitmoyer described the bill as allowing "retired educators like myself to step into key positions at OPI when no qualified applicants are available" and said the measure would not displace entry‑level teachers.
Bill mechanics and limits: witnesses said HB 349 would allow retired teachers to work for OPI for up to five years while continuing to receive retirement benefits; OPI would contribute to the teacher retirement fund for those employees. Witnesses referenced an existing program that allows retired teachers to return to K‑12 classrooms in certain districts and said that program’s success informed HB 349.
Questions from committee members focused on the eligibility threshold and fiscal effect. Teachers Retirement System legal counsel Jim Malizia testified to details about service credit. During questioning the number "27 years" was raised in relation to qualifying creditable service; Malizia and other witnesses described the pool of eligible retirees as limited but experienced. Sponsor and witnesses said HB 349 is not expected to have a material fiscal impact on the state.
Committee process and outcome: the hearing included proponents and informational witnesses and concluded without a recorded committee vote in the transcript. The sponsor asked the committee for a favorable recommendation ("do concur"), and witnesses agreed to answer follow‑up questions outside the hearing if needed.
