A teacher shortage in the state had Sen. Chuck Weaver (R-Peoria) questioning proposed legislation to give the Agriculture Education Shortage Task Force additional time to report its findings to Gov. Bruce Rauner and the General Assembly.
SB2648, sponsored by Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), would extend the deadline for the task force to report its findings to January 2021.
The notion did not thrill Weaver at a recent Senate Education Committee meeting due to the serious shortage of teachers throughout the state, according to a March 12 South Central Reporter article.
Sen. Chuck Weaver
| Illinois General Assembly website photo
“A fall survey sent to 500 district superintendents in Illinois revealed there is a uniform concern across the state on the teacher shortage." the article said. "Illinois Association of Regional School Superintendents President Mark Jontry said his fiancee, who is an elementary school principal, has to leave her office daily to sub in the classroom.”
Weaver brought up that fact.
"With what is going on with the shortage of teachers, I was surprised that the Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers (IAVAT) would be supporting this especially proposal," Weaver said.
Jack Butcher, an IVAT representative, responded.
“We introduced the extension language as a vehicle for the findings of the task force provided those come to (a) conclusion or we reached some agreement with ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education), then we would come back with an amendment to effectuate the findings of the task force,” Butcher said.
According to Butcher, the findings of the task force are ongoing and a report cannot be given sooner than the end date.
Weaver stressed that he wasn't comfortable with the extension.
“Senator, it is our intent to come back with a substantive amendment rather than extend the task force,” Butcher said.
SB2468 passed through committee and was sent to the Senate floor.
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