Peoria Standard

In a March 13 news release, Sen. Thomas Bennett (R-Morris) shared an update on legislation to address the teacher shortage and give flexibility to school districts with scheduling challenges.

Bennett filed Senate Bill 1468 on Feb. 7. It would allow retired teachers to work up to 750 hours per school year (150 days) from 2023-2025. Then, from 2026 onward they could work a maximum of 500 hours (100 days).

“This bill is designed to help schools cover vacancies, particularly with substitute teachers, by making it easier for retired teachers to step back into classrooms and put their experience to work for students," Bennett said.

"This will provide one more tool to our schools to make sure they can staff classrooms and provide the best education possible,” Bennett said. 

Senate Bill 1470 would allow school districts to use remote learning days in certain situations. For instance, remote learning would replace emergency days in the calendar. Also, remote learning can be used when a school acts as a polling place.

Bennett said the bill would increase flexibility for both teachers and students as it offers alternatives to ensure learning continues despite circumstance. 

“This will provide some additional flexibility to our local schools to maintain schedules, meet staffing requirements, and handle whatever emergencies may arise,” Bennett said. 

The bill entails a limit of five remote days in a school year. Also, it is required for the district superintendent to approve a remote learning plan for the district before the district may utilize a remote learning day.

“I believe we need to empower our school districts to deal with the numerous challenges they face, so they can focus on their core mission of educating children.”

Both Senate Bill 1468 and 1470 were advanced by the Senate Education Committee on March 7 and now await votes by the full chamber.