SESSION OF 2002

SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON HOUSE BILL NO. 2641

As Recommended by House Committee on

Education


Brief

 HB 2641 pertains to the increments for paying compensation to school district employees who are subject to the continuing contract law (persons required to hold a teacher’s or administrator’s certificate). This law requires that such persons receive compensation in not less than 12 substantially equal installments paid once or more often in each month commencing in September of the school year. The amendment deletes the provision that payment of compensation begin in September.


Background

 Representative Lana Gordon explained that HB 2641 was proposed by members of the Shawnee County legislative delegation in response to the request of the Superintendent of Topeka USD 501.

 Proponents were spokespersons for Topeka USD 501 and the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB).

The representative of Topeka USD 501 explained that, over the years, the starting time for schools has been pushed back from about the first of September into August. Topeka pays its teachers every two weeks. This school year, teachers reported to duty on Thursday, August 16, and normally would have been paid for their first two days on August 29; but, because of the statutory provision, that could not be done. The teachers received their pay on September 19 coupled with their next pay period. The spokesperson said this provision of law is outdated and needs to be changed.

 KASB testimony was that HB 2641 is a clean up of statutory language that no longer makes sense in light of the dates school districts now observe in commencing classes.

 There were no other conferees. The Committee recommended that the bill be placed on the Consent Calendar.

 The law being amended continues the option that is available to these school employees of receiving a lump sum payment after completion of their contractual obligations.















*Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet athttp://www.accesskansas.org/legislature