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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 7, 2022 01:58 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mike Zabel |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Subcontracting Protections for Education Support Professionals and Schools |
In Pennsylvania, there are over 30,000 education support professionals (ESPs) that provide important services to students across the state, such as getting them to school safely, operating nutrition services, providing classroom support, and more. However, some school districts opt to subcontract these services to a third-party in an effort to save money, often resulting in the termination of ESPs. On top of that, subcontracting these services can cost schools and communities more than what they budgeted for. In 2018, the General Assembly passed Act 39 to establish protections and requirements for schools before they can subcontract non-instructional services, but the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that this law does not go far enough to ensure ESPs and schools are fully protected. ESPs have shown their dedication to students and their communities, and we need to ensure we have their backs when it comes to protecting their jobs. That is why I am introducing legislation that would require third parties who are granted a contract from a school employer to hire ESPs who were terminated before any new employee can be hired. The legislation would also allow school districts to terminate contracts with a third party if the cost of services ends up being more than what the school district projected and budgeted for. This legislation will provide the necessary protections for ESPs and schools across Pennsylvania so that students can continue receiving these important services from dedicated professionals. It is so important we ensure school employees can continue serving their communities even if school districts subcontract services. I hope you will join me in supporting this important legislation that will help ESPs, schools, and students alike. |
Introduced as HB2609