SWSA Provides Testimony in Support of Rehiring of Annuitants

On May 28, SWSA attended an Assembly Committee on Local Government Hearing to provide testimony in support of AB196 / SB170 Rehiring of Annuitants. 

Thank you to Dr. Deb Kerr, Superintendent, St. Francis School District and Aaron Norris, Assistant Superintendent, West Allis-West Milwaukee School District for providing testimony on how AB196 would make a difference in filling open positions.

Here are some key points from Dr. Deb Kerr’s testimony:

“Assembly Bill 196 / Senate Bill 170 offers a practical, flexible solution to help stabilize our
educator workforce—without compromising quality. While the required 75-day waiting
period is not ideal, especially given that most districts begin school after September 1, it
still allows for thoughtful planning. For example, this flexibility would provide an
opportunity to ensure instruction continues uninterrupted, even during critical testing
periods required under Act 20.

This legislation is especially vital for hard-to-fill positions—such as special education,
computer science, math, physics, advanced placement, and music. Retired educators
bring a wealth of experience, deep institutional knowledge, and the ability to step into
classrooms immediately, particularly when returning to their former districts. Minimal
onboarding is needed, and their impact is felt from day one. Other states have already
adopted similar measures—recognizing that retired annuitants are a valuable resource.
Wisconsin should do the same.

Rebuilding the teacher pipeline takes time. In the meantime, we must do everything we
can to ensure students have accessto skilled, consistent, and caring educators. This bill is
not just about addressing shortages—it’s about maintaining excellence in our classrooms
and supporting the long-term health of our profession.”

Additional testimony can be found on the Wisconsin Legislature hearing page.

View the Assembly Committee on Local Government Hearing recording on WisEye.

Earlier this month, SWSA provided testimony for the Senate’s committee hearing.