HI HB1143

Requires classroom teachers at hard-to-staff schools to earn the greater of either the national average salary for similarly experienced teachers (adjusted annually for cost of living by December 15) or their regular salary schedule under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 302A-624.

Teachers who accept the national average salary option must forgo any annual pay differentials for hard-to-staff locations previously paid under collective bargaining agreements.

Defines "classroom teacher" as a professional employee spending at least 75 percent of instructional time providing direct classroom instruction in a specific subject or grade level, excluding counselors, administrators, and specialists.

"National average salary" is established by the United States Department of Education and adjusted for cost of living annually by the superintendent.

Takes effect January 1, 2050.