SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6657
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Ways & Means, March 10, 2008
Title: An act relating to salary bonuses for individuals certified by the national board for professional teaching standards.
Brief Description: Including salary bonuses for individuals certified by the national board for professional teaching standards as earnable compensation.
Sponsors: Senators Murray, Fraser and Rasmussen; by request of Select Committee on Pension Policy.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 1/31/08, 3/10/08 [DP, DNP, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair, Operating Budget; Hatfield, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Oemig, Rasmussen, Regala, Rockefeller and Tom.
Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senator Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senators Parlette, Roach and Schoesler.
Staff: Erik Sund (786-7454)
Background: Teachers who obtain certification from the National Board for Professional
Teaching Standards (NBPTS) are entitled to a annual bonus created by Chapter 398, Laws of
2007 (2SHB 2262). The basic bonus amount is $5,000 for the 2007-08 school year, with the
bonus amount to be increased annually to keep pace with inflation. An additional bonus of
$5,000 is available to NBPTS-certified teachers working in a school in which at least 70 percent
of the students qualify for the free and reduced-price lunch program.
The bonuses paid to teachers for NBPTS certification are specifically excluded from the
definition of base salary in the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS). This means that the bonuses
cannot increase the value of a teacher's retirement allowance, and also means that teachers that
earn the bonuses do not make additional retirement system contributions due to the additional
income that they receive from the bonuses.
Summary of Bill: The definition of salary used in the Plans 1, 2, and 3 of the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS 1, 2, and 3) is amended to allow the inclusion of bonuses paid to teachers certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Teachers receiving bonuses for earning NBPTS certification make retirement system contributions from the bonus payments and may earn a higher retirement allowance as a result of the salary increase.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2008.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The NBPTS certification process is long and involved but also very effective and rewarding. NBPTS-certified teachers bring great benefits to the schools at which they teach. The salary bonuses created last year were a great addition to the system for teacher compensation in the state; however, it isn't fair to exclude that income from salary calculations in the Teachers' Retirement System. We should continue to reward teachers for participating in the certification program. The value that students will receive from this program will far exceed the cost to the state.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Randy Parr, Washington Education Association; John Traxler, Montlake Terrace High School.