Senate Sponsors: OBAMA-MADIGAN,L. Short description: TEACHERS TO SCHOOLS IN NEED Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Creates the Veteran Teachers to Schools in Need Act. Establishes a program to encourage high-quality, veteran teachers of exemplary ability to teach at low-performing, high-needs schools by offering these teachers incentives. Provides that a school district that employs a teacher participating in the program shall pay the teacher, at a minimum, the average annual salary currently paid by the district to teachers at the low-performing, high-needs school with experience commensurate with that which a high-quality, veteran teacher of exemplary ability possesses. Allows a teacher participating in the program to apply for a salary supplement each school year from the State Board of Education. Requires the teacher to participate in the program for 3 school years, after which the teacher shall be evaluated to determine continued participation in the program. Provides that a participant is not bound by school district or city residency requirements if he or she maintains a residence that is not more than 60 miles away. Requires the State Board of Education to annually evaluate the program and submit a report on each evaluation to the General Assembly. Amends the Downstate And Chicago Teacher Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the salary supplement is included in earnings for pension purposes. Requires payment of employee (but not employer) contributions on the salary supplement. Grants age enhancement upon completion of certain periods in the program with a satisfactory rating. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Repeals the Veteran Teachers to Schools in Need Act on July 1, 2008. Effective July 1, 2002. PENSION NOTE (Pension Laws Commission) The fiscal impact of SB 2156 cannot be calculated as the amount of salary and service credit that would be established is unknown. SB 2156 specifies that no employer contributions are required on the salary supplement paid to participating teachers, but the resulting liability shall be considered by the General Assembly when calculating the annual State contributions to each System. Last action on Bill: SESSION SINE DIE Last action date: JAN-07-2003 Location: Senate Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 0 SENATE - 0 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status