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Rep. Lilly plan to help develop leaders in Michigan schools receives passing grade
RELEASE|June 20, 2019

Legislation allows retired teachers to train educators at struggling schools

The Michigan House today overwhelmingly approved state Rep. Jim Lilly’s plan to address a critical staffing shortage at a program aimed at improving academic outcomes for struggling schools.

Lilly, of Park Township, said his plan will allow experienced teachers and administrators to come out of retirement to help with the WMU-HIL Literacy Leadership Project, an effort made possible by a three-year, $12.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. About 150 West Michigan schools are currently participating in the program.

“They have found that the most qualified people to work as facilitators with these schools are recent retirees who no longer wish to work full time but still have a desire and a passion to serve,” Lilly said. “But recent retirees are unable to participate without affecting their retirement.”

Lilly’s solution, House Bill 4694, allows recently retired public school employees to maintain their retirement benefits if they come back to work to help implement the grant program.

Chris Glass, director of legislative affairs for the West Michigan Talent Triangle, testified in support of the plan last week before the House Government Operations Committee.

“This really is an exciting opportunity our state is taking part in. We know if we can develop leaders within the building and we can instill with them the best practices in the research of early literacy, we’re going to see academic outcomes improve,” Glass said. “We appreciate Rep. Lilly’s leadership on this important and timely issue.”

The plan now advances to the Senate for consideration.

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