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Session State Capitol, Room 418 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-4939 Fax: (907) 465-2418 Send E-Mail Interim 716 W 4th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: (907) 269-0244 Fax: (907) 269-0248 |
For Immediate Release: January 19, 2000
Contact: Representative Andrew Halcro, at (907) 465-4939.
Retirement Benefits for Rehired Teachers
The pool of qualified teachers in Alaska is shrinking dramatically. The situation is particularly dire in the area of special education. To address this shortage I have sponsored HB 277.
This legislation would allow teachers who have retired to return to teaching in the public schools without forfeiting their retirement benefits. Retired teachers would be able to be re-employed by a school district, but would join as though they were first year teachers for salary purposes. They would continue to receive their retirement benefits, thus reducing the cost to school districts, but compensating experienced teachers through a combination of pay and benefits.
Presently, teachers, once retired, may only work 40% of full-time in a school district without forgoing their retirement benefits. HB 277 would provide school districts with the opportunity to rehire experienced teachers at a lower cost to the public.