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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 13, 2024 09:11 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Paul Takac |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | School Administrators Rights |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would address our current principal crisis. It has been almost 40 years since Act 93, also known as the administrator compensation plan as defined in section 1164 of the school code, was signed into law on June 29, 1984. The intended purpose of that legislation was to provide a means for resolving administrator compensation matters by working within a management team philosophy. Since Act 93 was adopted, there have been significant changes in the students our principals serve. The Wallace Foundation reported that since 1988, public school principals serve a higher number of low-income students, English language learners, and students with disabilities. These changes call for leaders who are experienced and committed to the students they serve. Yet, during that same time period, there has been a significant decline in principal tenure in a school, especially in high-needs schools. Principals play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of their students, influencing not only their academic development but also their personal growth and character formation. Beyond the classroom, principals serve as mentors, guides, and role models. Whether in elementary school or high school, great principals leave an indelible impact that extends far beyond the curriculum. Again, from the Wallace Foundation, “Principals really matter. Indeed, it is difficult to envision an investment in K–12 education with a higher ceiling on its potential return than improving school leadership.” Sadly, in the last two years alone, 15.4% of principals left Pennsylvania schools. Many of those administrators that left returned to teaching for higher pay, benefits, and a better work-life balance. The trend is only getting worse and setting our schools up for failure. Current provisions of Act 93 fall short in providing adequate support or protection desired by administrators, which creates a shortfall in complement and results in high turnover. These necessary changes will provide administrators with the tools needed to create an appeals process that is fair and equitable. Please join me in supporting this legislation that will help recruit and retain quality principals across the commonwealth by creating a competitive market for our school leaders. |