New Jersey Senate Bill S1559

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22
• Report Pass: 6/13/22
• Refer: 6/13/22

Caption

Permits non-instructional staff member retired from PERS to return to employment in school district for up to two years without reenrollment in PERS if employment commences during remainder of 2021-2022 and entirety of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it would significantly alter current state laws governing retirement and reemployment for PERS members. It effectively allows retired non-instructional staff to return to work without the typical repercussions associated with retirement, such as automatic reenrollment in the retirement system upon return. The law emphasizes the importance of staffing needs within educational institutions and aims to offer flexibility in addressing those needs during a time when hiring experienced staff can be challenging.

Summary

Senate Bill S1559 aims to allow non-instructional staff members who have retired from the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to return to work in a New Jersey school district for a maximum of two years without needing to reenroll in PERS. This provision applies specifically to those who begin their reemployment during the latter part of the 2021-2022 school year and continues through the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. Such employment must be in positions deemed critical by the State Commissioner of Education, thus addressing the urgent staffing needs of school districts.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding S1559 appears to be supportive, particularly among educators and administrators who see it as a necessary tool for addressing staffing shortages in schools. Supporters are likely to view it as a means to leverage experienced personnel to fill essential roles quickly. However, there may also be concerns regarding the potential impact on younger staff members or those entering the workforce, as the return of seasoned professionals could affect job opportunities.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the implications of such reemployment provisions on the retirement system and the overall staffing dynamic in schools. Critics might question whether allowing retirees to re-enter the workforce in this manner could discourage new hiring or whether it could lead to potential conflicts with existing staff retention and advancement opportunities. The need for criteria on positions of 'critical need' could also provoke debate about how such criteria are defined and executed.