Teacher Standards and Practices Commission wants to add staff

Monica Beane

The budget for the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission contains two new hiring requests since the last biennium: an additional customer service employee to respond to phone calls and an additional employee to implement database upgrades.

As an “other funds” agency, TSPC relies solely on revenue from licensure fees. TSPC requires permission from the Legislature to spend money that is already in the existing budget, unlike other agencies that typically ask for more funds for a budget.

The Joint Ways and Means Education Subcommittee took testimony Monday on House Bill 5038, which represents the agency budget for the 2017-19 biennium. OSBA submitted written testimony in support of TSPC and HB 5038.

“It is unusual for OSBA to submit testimony on an agency budget bill,” wrote Richard Donovan, OSBA legislative specialist. “However, we support HB 5038 in recognition of the good work done by the TSPC since Dr. Monica Beane became TSPC executive director in June of 2016.”

OSBA had previously been critical of the agency’s performance.

“Since Dr. Beane joined the TSPC, (OSBA) concerns … have largely been addressed,” Donovan wrote. “We support the good work of the TSPC, look forward to continued improvement in the future, and recommend your support for HB 5038.”

- Richard Donovan
Legislative specialist
rdonovan@osba.org