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House approves two‑year teacher quality pilot with stakeholder protections
Summary
First substitute HB328 creates a State Board‑administered two‑year pilot for teacher quality compensation (40% student learning gains, 40% instructional quality, 20% satisfaction), adds an amendment to include classified employees/teacher assistants, and passed the House 65–7.
Representative Gregory Hughes introduced first substitute HB328 as the result of a year of interim work and State Board engagement, proposing a two‑year pilot program under which districts would apply to the State Board of Education to plan and then implement teacher‑quality compensation programs.
Program design and safeguards: The sponsor described scoring parameters as 40% based on student learning gains, 40% on quality of instruction as measured by classroom observations or other instruments, and 20% on parent, student and community satisfaction; he emphasized the bill avoids using the phrase 'test scores' and leaves measurement specifics to participating districts. Representative Hughes also acknowledged a $300,000 fiscal note for the pilot and said funding would be subject to appropriation prioritization.
Inclusion of classified employees: Representative Hughes moved Amendment No. 1 to ensure classified employees, including teacher assistants, could be included by districts using the pilot; members said they had consulted classified employee representatives who opposed omission. The amendment was adopted.
Debate and support: Representatives expressed broad support for a stakeholder‑driven pilot; some members urged care that base salary levels not be diminished and that the pilot not be adopted system‑wide without demonstrated buy‑in. The sponsor and other supporters described HB328 as a measured 'baby step' intended to produce evidence for possible future broader action.
Vote and next steps: The House opened and closed voting; first substitute HB328 passed the House 65 yes, 7 no and will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
