Certificated school employees: probationary employees: service credit.
The amendments introduced by AB 897 will directly impact the Education Code, specifically Sections 44908 and 44909, by modifying how service credit is calculated for certain educators. By eliminating the previous requirement for adult education probationary employees to serve a certain number of days, the bill is likely to facilitate a smoother transition to permanent status for these educators, thereby addressing concerns about staffing levels and teacher retention in adult education. Additionally, the bill specifies that provisions will not apply to any collective bargaining agreements existing prior to where applicable, ensuring existing contracts remain respected until their renewal.
Assembly Bill 897, known as the 'Certificated School Employees: Probationary Employees: Service Credit' bill, aims to amend existing laws regarding the service credit requirements for probationary employees in adult education programs. Specifically, the bill proposes that, starting July 1, 2024, a probationary employee of an adult education program would be considered to have completed a school year if they serve at least 75% of the hours constituting a full-time equivalent position, rather than being measured by days, as is traditionally required for regular school employees. This change recognizes the unique schedule and structure of adult education programs, which often differ from K-12 schools.
The sentiment around AB 897 appears to be generally supportive, particularly from stakeholders focused on adult education. Proponents argue that recognizing hours rather than days better aligns with the realities of adult education and supports the employment stability of teachers in this sector. However, there may be concerns regarding potential implications for collective bargaining, as the bill defines conditions under which new agreements will be required, which could lead to tensions among existing contract negotiations.
Notable points of contention include the provisions that specify if there are any conflicts with pre-existing collective bargaining agreements, AB 897 will not apply until those agreements expire or are renewed. This condition may lead to disputes regarding which rules should prevail and could cause delays in implementing the new service credit calculations. Furthermore, while the bill offers a path for increased recognition of service among adult educators, some educators may worry about the broader implications for employment standards within public education overall.