Georgia senators have overwhelmingly approved a bill that opens the door for retired teachers to return to the classroom while still collecting a state pension. | Pixabay
Georgia senators have overwhelmingly approved a bill that opens the door for retired teachers to return to the classroom while still collecting a state pension. | Pixabay
Georgia senators have overwhelmingly approved a bill that opens the door for retired teachers to return to the classroom while still collecting a state pension.
In a recent report by FOX 5 Atlanta, Sen. Russ Goodman (R-GA) said the bill will help school systems fill vacant teaching positions in high need areas with qualified and experienced teachers.
"This bill benefits the retired teacher, our students, the retirement system, and rural Georgia," Goodman told FOX 5 Atlanta.
This comes as senators voted 50-1 for House Bill 385, sending the measure to Gov. Brian Kemp to sign into law, the report states. Kemp first proposed the bill last year as a part of a plan to increase the number of teachers across the state.
According to the report, HB 385 would allow teachers who have 30 years of service to the classroom after at least 12 months of retirement, to earn both a full salary and their pension. With this, FOX 5 reports districts would be able to hire retired teachers in three top need areas designated by the state Department of Education in regions across Georgia.
As it stands, Goodman told FOX 5 there are currently 4,000 positions filled statewide by teachers teaching outside their designated field, long-term substitutes or someone finishing their degree. Under the bill, districts would pay the Teachers Retirement System the normal employer contribution of 19.98% of an employee's salary as well as the 6% contribution that a teacher usually makes, the report states.
If implemented, the bill would be in effect for four years beginning July 1 with a state auditor-issued report in 2025 outlining its effectiveness, the report states.
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