CLASSIFIED NEWS

• Register now for CCE annual conference Oct. 19-20
• Classified School Employee Week May 20-26
• Former CCE president featured in civil rights story
• Resource page on SB 1419
• Click here for sample contract language relating to classified provisions of the ESEA
• An overview of the CCE and its positions on crucial issues for classified employees

SB 1419 establishes 10 important guidelines for school districts to follow prior to contracting out for school services. School districts can contract out for classified services as long as they meet these specified criteria. These guidelines are the same guidelines that every state agency and division must comply with prior to contracting out services. These guidelines have been in place for decades in state service and were established to protect taxpayer dollars.

10 Guidelines in SB 1419

• 1. Proof of overall savings from contracting out classified services.
• 2. Proof that savings are not solely as a result of lower pay or benefits for the employees.
• 3. Proof that the bidding process is competitive and well publicized.
• 4. Proof that existing workers are not displaced, but allows outside contractors to hire them to meet this requirement.
• 5. Proof that contract employees are qualified to perform the jobs.
• 6. Proof that savings justify the size and duration of the contracts.
• 7. Proof that the savings are large enough to ensure that they will not be eliminated by normal cost fluctuation.
• 8. Proof that the economic gains from contracting out are greater than the public interest in having a public function be performed in-house.
• 9. Proof that the future economic risk to the school district from potential contractor rate increases is minimal.
• 10. Proof that the contract is with a legitimate firm.

SB 1419 Gives School Districts Flexibility to Meet Their Needs
SB 1419 allows school districts to continue any contracted service initiated prior to Jan. 1, 2003. It also provides several exceptions to allow for district flexibility, and does not apply to any service other than those currently or customarily performed by classified school employees. SB 1419 allows school districts to contract out for classified services without meeting the above criteria, as long as they satisfy ANY of the following exemptions:

• Services are not available within the district
• Services are highly specialized or technical in nature
• Services require expert knowledge or experience
• Services are for administrative or legal purposes
• Services are for emergencies
• Services are urgent, temporary or occasional in nature

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