Advocacy

We are reaching out today with an urgent Call to Action regarding HB 3907 (Stuart; D-Collinsville) a bill that proposes mandating 45 minutes of uninterrupted preparation time per day for all educators. This bill has been scheduled for consideration by the House Elementary and Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools Committee on Wednesday, April 3, at 2:00 pm.

Despite initial indications that the bill might not progress this session, it has recently been amended via House Amendment 1. Unfortunately, the amendment fails to address the concerns expressed by management groups. While it stipulates that prep time should be subject to local negotiations, it includes a provision that sets a default of 45 minutes per day for all educators if no agreement is reached.

Although the sponsor has suggested using the bill to initiate discussions in the Teacher Shortage Working Group, it remains unclear if there is a plan to move the bill today in committee. As a result of the lack of clarity around the bill’s path forward, we feel it is crucial to articulate the potential serious repercussions for local school districts statewide if the bill is enacted in its current form.

We urge you to take legislative action by submitting a witness slip in OPPOSITION to the bill. Your participation will help demonstrate the significant unintended consequences this measure could entail. If your district stands to be affected, please use this link to file your opposition slip.

Thank you, as always, for your advocacy efforts!