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Committee shortens wait for retired teachers to return to classrooms
Summary
Senate Bill 26 would reduce the waiting period for retired teachers to be rehired from one year to 90 days, allowing local districts to set returning salaries; the committee passed the bill unanimously 7–0.
The committee unanimously approved legislation that would let retired teachers return to work in Oklahoma school districts after a 90‑day break instead of the current one‑year waiting period.
Sponsor Senator Bullard said the change aims to retain experienced teachers who might otherwise retire and not return. Under the proposal, returning teachers would still receive their retirement benefit and could be paid a district‑determined salary; sponsors indicated a 3% offset in retirement payments in one example discussion but said language about offsets will be refined.
Senator Bourne asked whether returning retirees could serve part‑time specialist roles such as reading specialists; the sponsor said districts could hire them for part‑time or specialist roles but that local needs — particularly in core subjects like math and reading — make full‑time return common. The committee recorded seven ayes and zero nays and advanced SB 26.
What happens next: SB 26 will be transmitted from committee and could be scheduled on the Senate floor; precise offset mechanics and fiscal effects were discussed but not fully detailed in the hearing.
