SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved legislation to ensure hourly school employees continue to get paid through the end of the school year. The bill provides compensation for hourly school employees and allows entities that contract with schools to provide services to be reimbursed for paying their employees, for changes in school employment practices as a result of COVID-19 related school closures and the conversion to distance learning programs.
“Hourly school employees work hard to meet the unique and complex needs of Minnesota students,” said Rep. Peter Fischer (DFL – Maplewood), who voted in favor of the bill. “During this unprecedented public health crisis, the valuable services and support that they provide are more important than ever. Today, we took an important step to provide economic security for paraprofessionals, nutrition services staff, child care workers, bus drivers, and many others.”
The legislation also addresses school finance formula glitches resulting from the conversion to the distance learning model. It creates and legislatively approves certain waivers of state law regarding assessments, graduation and course requirements, and potential licensure issues faced by prospective and current teachers.
The legislation awaits action in the Minnesota Senate.