House Bill 1113 would require the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) to adopt rules for reviewing and vacating reprimands issued to certificated professional educators
Educators who have received a reprimand could have the opportunity for redemption under a bill introduced by Rep. Paul Harris for the 2023 legislative session.
House Bill 1113 would require the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) to adopt rules for reviewing and vacating reprimands issued to certificated professional educators. Currently, there is no process in place to vacate a reprimand on an educator’s certificate.
The bill, which received a public hearing on Tuesday in the House Education Committee, is similar to House Bill 1791, which Harris introduced last year.
“I brought this issue forward last session because I believe people deserve a second chance,” said Harris, R-Vancouver. “Teachers are not perfect, and sometimes they make poor judgments that can result in a reprimand on their educator certificate. That can leave a permanent mark on their record, which may limit career opportunities and advancement.”
HB 1113 would also direct the superintendent of public instruction to make reasonable efforts to contact certificated professional educators who were issued a reprimand during a specified period and whose reprimand is eligible for vacating under the PESB rules.
“This legislation provides a second chance for educators who have undertaken corrective action, especially at a time with the education system is facing a staff shortage,” said Harris. “I’m all for accountability, but mercy should be applied once justice has been met.”
The 2023 legislative session began Jan. 9 and is scheduled to last 105 consecutive days.
Information provided by Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov
Also read:
- C-TRAN board increases salary for CEO Leann Caver
C-TRAN CEO Leann Caver received a 2.5 percent raise as the board recognized her leadership and celebrated rising ridership numbers after years of recovery. - GoFundMe Spotlight: Vancouver media producer preparing for epic road trip on Route 66
Vancouver’s Chris Erickson plans to document Route 66’s 100th anniversary through instant photography, social media, and video—helping preserve stories before they’re lost. - Local students may see expanded career pathways after new board appointment
Greg Retchless, a business owner and longtime teacher, has joined the Washougal School Board to fill a vacancy left by Jim Cooper’s resignation. - Clark County March storm response information and closures
Clark County Public Works is responding to reports of flooded roads and parks, with closures and safety advisories in effect as heavy rains impact the region. - Opinion: The income tax passed the House – what’s next?
Washington House approved a new tax despite bipartisan opposition; business leaders and residents signal economic impact and looming legal fights. - Twenty-nine states and DC now reject federal vaccine guidance
Twenty-nine states and DC have broken from national childhood immunization guidelines, with Washington among those opposing federal reductions in recommended vaccines. - Vancouver Fire responds after pursuit ends in crash with Washington State Patrol cruiser
First responders transported three people to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center following a late night pursuit and collision involving a state patrol vehicle.
wpDiscuz
