If enacted, SB1192 establishes specific pay rates for substitute teachers, creating a framework that ensures competitive compensation. For instance, substitutes who do not have a bachelor's degree will earn a minimum of $23.00 per hour in the initial two years, and this rate gradually increases to $27.00 by the 2028-2029 school year. Likewise, those with a bachelor's degree and qualified educators will see their hourly rates rise from $25.00 and $27.00 to $29.00 and $31.00, respectively. This systematic increase is expected to attract more individuals to the substitute teaching role, ultimately benefiting schools and students alike by providing stability during teacher absences.
Summary
Senate Bill 1192 aims to address the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining substitute teachers within the Hawaii Department of Education. The bill proposes a structured increase in minimum hourly and daily pay rates for substitute teachers over the next five school years, starting from the 2024-2025 school year through to the 2028-2029 school year. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality of education by ensuring that schools have access to qualified educators during teacher absences. The bill categorizes substitutes into three classes based on their qualifications, which influences the compensation scale they receive.
Contention
While the premise of the bill to improve teacher recruitment is generally supported, there could be discussions regarding funding and budget allocations necessary to implement these increased pay rates. Potential concerns may arise from stakeholders regarding whether the state can sustain these commitments over the extended timeline proposed by the bill. Moreover, discussions may emerge about an equitable distribution of resources among various educational needs, particularly amidst competing educational priorities.