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HF 630

Short-call substitute teacher pilot program extended.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Bakeberg and 5 co-sponsors

The bill extends Minnesota’s short-call substitute pilot to provide a more reliable pool of substitutes on short notice, aiming to reduce instructional disruptions.

Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to Education Finance
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Bill Summary · HF 630

Summary: HF 630 — Short-call Substitute Teacher Pilot Program Extended (Minnesota)

Purpose and Intent

HF 630 proposes extending and expanding a short-call substitute teacher pilot program within Minnesota. The bill aims to provide schools with a more flexible pool of substitute teachers on short notice, addressing staffing challenges and ensuring continuity of instruction when regular teachers are unavailable. The overarching goal is to improve student learning environments by reducing missed instructional time due to substitute shortages.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Extension of Pilot Program: The bill extends the duration of the existing short-call substitute teacher pilot program. It clarifies that the pilot will continue for a defined future period, allowing more time to evaluate its effectiveness and operational parameters.

  • Eligibility and Participation: The pilot program typically involves partnerships between school districts, possibly charter schools, and staffing entities to supply substitutes on shorter notice. HF 630 would specify eligibility criteria for districts/charter schools to participate, and may outline expectations for participating vendors or districts.

  • Substitute Assignment Parameters:

    • Establishes criteria for how short-call substitutes can be deployed (e.g., last-minute assignments, daily substitutes, or limited-duration coverage).
    • May address maximum assignment lengths, frequency limits, or notification requirements to schools and substitutes.

  • Compensation and Professional Standards:

    • The bill could set expectations for compensation or pay scales specific to short-call substitutes, potentially to ensure adequate availability and fair wages.
    • May reference professional standards, background checks, and credentialing requirements for substitutes in the pilot.

  • Oversight and Evaluation:

    • Likely includes provisions for program reporting and performance evaluation to the state education department or the Legislature.
    • May specify metrics such as fill rate, impact on student achievement, classroom stability, and cost-effectiveness.

  • Funding and Budget:

    • HF 630 may authorize appropriation or reallocation of funds to support the pilot extension.
    • Could detail eligible expenditures (e.g., driver time, training, recruitment efforts, vendor payments).

Who Is Affected

  • School Districts and Charter Schools: Primary participants who would enroll in the extended pilot, utilize short-call substitutes, and report outcomes.
  • Substitute Teachers: Individuals eligible to work under the pilot, with expectations regarding assignment availability, compensation, and credentials.
  • Minnesota Department of Education (MDE): Likely responsible for administering the pilot, collecting data, and reporting to the Legislature.
  • Educators and Students: Beneficiaries of reduced absenteeism gaps and more stable daily instruction when substitutes are readily available.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading: Introduced and referred to the Minnesota House Education Policy Committee on February 13, 2025.
  • Committee Action: On March 5, 2025, an author addition occurred, with the committee subsequently reporting a recommendation to adopt as amended and re-refer to Education Finance (March 13, 2025). This indicates a moved path toward funding considerations.
  • Sponsor Activity: HF 630 has multiple co-sponsors, signaling cross-party and district interest. Notable sponsors include Natalie Zeleznikar, John Huot, Patty Mueller, Peggy Scott, Krista Knudsen, and Ben Bakeberg.

Practical Impact

  • If enacted, districts would benefit from a more reliable pipeline of substitutes for short-notice vacancies, potentially reducing instructional disruptions.
  • The extension would permit longer-term assessment of whether short-call substitutes improve classroom stability and student outcomes without compromising instructional quality.
  • Funding and administrative requirements would guide how districts engage with substitute staffing services and how results are measured over the extended pilot period.

If you’d like, I can add a section comparing HF 630 to current law or similar existing pilots, or summarize anticipated fiscal implications once the appropriation details are available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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