S.B. 558

VETOES

WHEREAS, Teachers and school administrators leaving the profession
routinely state that poor working conditions in the schools, including the burdensome
paperwork issues, are most to blame; and

WHEREAS, Because we already face a teacher shortage in Maryland and the
recently passed federal law, No Child Left Behind Act, establishes additional
pressures with federal mandates; and

WHEREAS, It is important to address any condition that contributes to teacher
and school administrator attrition and interferes with teachers' educators' ability to
devote their time, attention, and talent to meeting the instructional needs of their
students; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That:

(a)     There is a Study Commission on Teachers' Educators' Time and
Paperwork.

(b)     The Commission shall consist of the following 13 14 16 members:

(1)     one representative of the State Department of Education, appointed
by the State Superintendent;

(2)     three five representatives from local school systems, including at
least one three local school administrator administrators, selected by the Maryland
Association of Boards of Education;

(3)     one representative of a disability advocacy community appointed by
the Governor;

(4)     one speech-language pathologist who is employed as a
speech-language pathologist in the public schools, appointed by the State Board of
Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, and Speech-Language Pathologists;

(5)     four teachers, three selected by the largest statewide employee union
representing teachers and one teacher selected by the second largest public employee
union as follows:

(i) two with expertise in general education;

(ii) one with expertise in special education; and

(iii) one with expertise in special services;

(5) (6) two members of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the
President of the Senate; and

(6)     (7) two members of the House of Delegates, appointed by the
Speaker of the House.

(c)      The Commission shall designate the chairman of the Commission.

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