Rep. Jamie Kiel, R-Russellville, thinks the retirement benefits need to apply to all school personnel because shortages can be seen in multiple fields, not just classroom educators.
“We not only have a teacher shortage in Alabama, we have a support personnel shortage as well in many areas of the state,” Kiel said. “Many systems are continuously advertising for school bus drivers and Tier III is a recruitment tool for these employees.”
Kiel also likes how Baker’s bill changes the “use it or lose it” sick leave policy under Tier II that forced teachers to use their sick leave each year.