Juneau -- The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee today approved a measure that would correct an inequity in the way retirement benefits are calculated for non-certified school employees.

"Certified teachers get one full year of credit toward retirement when they complete the nine-month school year. Non-certified employees receive credit for the actual time served in the system, usually nine months," said Senator Gary Wilken (R-Fairbanks). "Therefore, each working year contains a three-month gap where retirement benefits do not accrue. As a consequence, a non-certified employee having worked for 30 years, and seemingly eligible to retire, is faced with only 22.5 years of accrued retirement benefits," Sen. Wilken said.

Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Sen. Wilken, would allow non-certified employees to contribute to their retirement account to reflect a year's service. There is a companion bill in the House (House Bill 17) sponsored by Representative Tom Brice of Fairbanks.

"Senate Bill 9 affords them that option at their expense," said Sen. Wilken. "It would be a completely voluntary program, paid for by the members themselves, thus adding no on-going financial burden to the State or to the local school districts," Sen. Wilken said.

Non-certified employees, referred to as "classified" employees in many school districts, include custodians, cafeteria workers, teachers' aides, and administrative staff. They typically work the same schedule as teachers, from September to May.

"This legislation speaks to fairness," said Sen. Wilken. "It demonstrates the appreciation that all Alaskan school's support staff deserve."

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