By Bob Katzen

The Education Committee’s hearing also included legislation that would require public schools to pay substitute teachers 85 percent of what schools pay a beginning teacher who holds a bachelor’s degree; or the state’s current $15 per hour minimum wage – whichever is greater.

The salary of the substitute teacher would be calculated by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, using the latest data available. The bill would not apply to substitute teachers represented in a bargaining unit in the school district which employes them.

Supporters say that schools need quality substitute teachers to operate. They argue that substitute teachers are underpaid despite serving an important purpose in elementary and secondary school across the state.

The sponsor of the measure is Rep. Bill Galvin (D-Canton), who was first elected to the House in 1990 and is now serving his 36th year in the House. He did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he filed the bill and why he wants the Legislature to approve it.