REQUESTING THAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION ENDORSE AND COORDINATE WITH THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS A FEDERAL, STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT-SCHOOL TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL OF USING VOLUNTEER SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS.

WHEREAS, a chronic shortage of qualified substitute teachers exists in the public school system; and

WHEREAS, it is difficult for public schools to attract qualified substitute teachers when the schools cannot provide high pay, job security or benefits to substitute teachers; and

WHEREAS, the lack of substitute teachers frequently requires classes to be combined or to be put in the charge of unqualified people; and

WHEREAS, government employees, other professional community members and retired employees comprise a large pool of highly qualified potential substitute teachers based on school policy; and

WHEREAS, the national governor's association has endorsed public-private partnerships to foster a renewed national commitment to community service and volunteerism;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the house of representatives encourage and request the state department of public education to study the potential for using state, federal, city and county public employees and other retired employees as volunteer substitute teachers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the results of the study be sent to the legislative education study committee and the house education committee; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the state board of education, the state superintendent of public instruction, the public school boards and their superintendents.