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Nearly 300 retired teachers working in critical-need roles; statute allowing their use set to expire June 30, panel told
Summary
The department reported 234 retired teachers employed as substitutes in critical-need areas across 49 counties (276 certifications counted when individuals hold multiple credentials); 22 counties adopted policies to hire retired bus drivers. Staff recommended amending the expiring code provision.
State education staff reported to the Legislative Oversight Commission that 234 retired teachers were employed as substitute teachers in critical-need areas across 49 counties during the last school year; the department said the count rises to 276 when teachers who hold multiple certifications are counted in more than one category.
The report said 22 counties adopted policies to employ retired bus drivers under the statute so those drivers could continue working in critical-need roles without affecting retirement benefits. Department staff urged the commission to recommend amending the statute, which the report said is set to expire on June 30, to allow continued use of retired teachers and bus operators in critical-need positions.
“Our schools are thankfully assisted by nearly 300 of our retired teachers,” the presenter said, and the department provided a county-by-county appendix listing retired teachers by certification category and whether a county had a bus-driver policy.
No formal action was taken; staff offered to supply the committee with the full appendix and recommended the Legislature amend the expiring provision to preserve the hiring option for counties.
