HB 215-STUDENT COUNTS/TEACHERS' SALARIES CHAIR SEATON announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 215, "An Act relating to student counts for school funding purposes; and repealing school experience for salary scales provisions." 9:27:31 AM CHAIR SEATON opened public testimony, and seeing no one presenting themselves to the committee, he closed public testimony. 9:27:38 AM REPRESENTATIVE WILSON moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 1, which states: Delete Sections: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6. Retain: Section 5 CHAIR SEATON objected for discussion. 9:28:00 AM REPRESENTATIVE WILSON provided an update for the committee, paraphrasing from a prepared statement and the new sponsor statement, which read as follows [original punctuation provided]: To refresh the committee's memory, HB 215 will repeal salary scale limitations for hiring new out of state teachers. Additionally it will average student counts in the spring and fall to determine school funding numbers for the following school year. With this bill to we are trying to proactively address the issues of high drop out rates and teacher recruitment. HB 215 repeals salary scale limitations for hiring new out of state teachers, allowing for more competitive recruitment efforts. HB 215 will help school districts hire staff for hard- to-fill positions. Specialty positions, such as therapists and special needs teachers are in high demand in school districts across the country, and we have a shortage here in Alaska. Current statutes limit the amount of out of state professional experience that may be used to establish a teacher's position on the salary scale. No matter how long they have been teaching, out of state teachers with a bachelors degree can only receive credit for six years of out of state experience. With a masters degree that is increased to eight years. By repealing this antiquated statute, districts will be able to negotiate salaries on a case by case basis, this will help keep Alaska competitive with the rest of the country when vying for needed educational professionals. 9:29:53 AM CHAIR SEATON acknowledged that the original bill addressed two issues, and Amendment 1 effectively rectifies that situation. The different topics will be appropriately served through this action, he said, and expressed appreciation to the sponsor. 9:31:26 AM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER stated her interest in supporting the aspects that are being amended out of the bill. CHAIR SEATON maintained the importance for keeping the issues separate, and indicated that the deleted sections will be continuing topics during the interim, and brought back before the committee next session. REPRESENTATIVE BUCH noted that the amendment will require a title change, as well. 9:32:24 AM REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ asked for an explanation of the term school experience, when applied to the salary scale. REPRESENTATIVE WILSON explained that a new teacher to the Alaska system, who has taught elsewhere, should expect to receive a monetary increment credit for each year of experience. 9:33:02 AM CHAIR SEATON removed his objection to conceptual Amendment 1. There being no further objection, conceptual Amendment 1, to HB 215, was adopted. 9:33:45 AM REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ moved to report HB 215, 26-LS0456\T out of committee, as amended, with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal note. There being no objection, HB 215 (EDC), Version T, was reported from the House Education Standing Committee.