HCS HB 1151 -- TEACHER SALARY INCENTIVES

SPONSOR:  Cunningham (86)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Elementary
and Secondary Education by a vote of 10 to 5.

This substitute gives school districts the right to use hiring
incentives and create salary schedule modifications, which can
include credit for all prior years of service in another
district, to attract and retain teachers.  Teachers must be
certificated in subject areas that have a demonstrated teacher
shortage.  Districts can also grant incentives or modifications
to teachers with demonstrated or measurable qualities or
credentials that are suited to a district's academic needs.
Teachers may be required to teach in the district offering the
incentive for up to three years.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that in the absence of clear
legislative guidance on the matter, school districts wanting to
offer incentives may operate under the threat of litigation.  The
bill is not about merit pay, but provides flexibility for
districts to attract and retain teachers, who should be subject
to the same rules of supply and demand as any other profession.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Icet; Missouri
Association of School Administrators; and Missouri School Boards'
Association.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that it provides
flexibility but does not ensure fairness.  Teachers work on a
collegial system, not a competitive one.

Testifying against the bill were Missouri National Education
Association; and Missouri State Teachers Association.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:42 am