Serpa Bill Seeks to Motivate Teachers to Apply for Administrator Positions

Gov. Lincoln Chafee this week signed legislation allowing tenured teachers in the Rhode Island public school system to pursue an appointed administrative position in another public school system within the state by taking an unpaid leave of absence without fear of losing their seniority.

On June 13, the House approved the bill, sponsored by Representative Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick) on behalf of the Rhode Island School Superintendents’ Association, in a 70 to 3 vote. On July 2 it was passed by the Senate and forwarded to the governor for his signature on Wednesday.

The legislation allows teachers who desire to return to the classroom to do so in their former districts if they choose not to pursue a career in administration. Upon returning, the provisions of the bill state that their leave of absence shall not count as an interruption of service for the purposes of seniority and teacher retirement. The unpaid leave of absence would not be allowed to exceed three years.

“Someone who has worked hard to gain seniority as a teacher but may have an interest in an administrator’s position should be allowed to try without fear of losing all of that personal investment in his or her teaching career,” Rep. Serpa said. “Some people may find that a position like a principal, superintendent, director or other central office personnel may not be the right fit for them after all. Currently, teachers have the face the possibility of losing their status or their old job all together if that pursuit doesn’t work out. I don’t find that very fair. Trying something new doesn’t take away the time you put in or the experiences you gained inside the classroom.”

Rep. Serpa also noted that as more demands are placed upon administrators, Rhode Island is having a more difficult time attracting qualified teachers to fill those positions. The legislation (2013-H 6076) affords administrators the opportunity to successfully mentor new or aspiring administrators with the hope that the individual will remain in that position and help Rhode Island schools achieve consistency and success.

Cosponsors of the House bill include Representatives Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston), Charlene M. Lima (D-Dist. 14, Cranston, Providence), Agostinho F. Silva (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls) and William W. O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence). Sen. Frank S. Lombardi (D-Dist. 26, Cranston) sponsored the Senate companion bill (2013-S 0889).