HB 727 -- SCHOOL NURSE SALARIES

SPONSOR:  Portwood

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Homeland Security by a vote of 7 to 0.

Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, this bill requires
school nurses to be paid on the same pay scale as teachers with
equivalent work history and working hours in their district.  The
term "salary" will not include supplements for extra duties.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that school nurses have a lot more
responsibilities because there are so many special medical needs
students.  They deserve professional pay for professional work
and pay parity with teachers.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Portwood; Kathy
Wallace; Barbara Vendt; Charlotte Wiegert; Brad Spicer; and
Missouri National Education Association.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that they are concerned
that the funding for increased school nurse salaries will reflect
upon the school foundation formula; but if an outside funding
source is located, they would be less opposed.

Testifying against the bill were Missouri School Boards
Association; and Missouri Council of School Administrators.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:20 am