HI HB1275

Provides automatic annual salary step increases for Hawaii public school teachers and educational officers who complete one year of satisfactory service and meet specified requirements under collective bargaining agreement for Bargaining Unit (5).

Establishes longevity step increases for teachers and educational officers who have served satisfactorily for three years at their maximum increment step or any longevity step, with board discretion to grant principals and vice-principals longevity increases more frequently.

Addresses teacher retention crisis in Hawaii by noting that cost-of-living adjusted teacher salaries are the lowest in the nation at $24,409 average starting salary compared to national average of $30,086.

Cites that 51 percent of teachers hired in 2013-2014 remained in Hawaii five years later, with 71 percent of teachers leaving the state within the last five years.

Takes effect on January 1, 2050.