H259 - 2023 Appropriations Act. (SL 2023-134)

Overview: Section 7.40 of S.L. 2023-134 establishes a grant program administered by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for qualifying public schools that are low-performing or serve a population of at least 10% at-risk students. The governing board of the school can apply to DPI for grant funds to reimburse teachers for the cost of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification participation fee. DPI must develop criteria and guidelines for the grants, including requiring that reimbursements be prioritized based on the needs of the school and not requiring teachers to complete the NBPTS certification process in order to receive a reimbursement.

By January 15 of each year in which funds are awarded, DPI must report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and the Fiscal Research Division on the impact of the program, including information on the number of applicants and awards, number of teachers reimbursed, information on teacher demographics, employment status, and licensure, and impact of the program on student performance and growth.

This section became effective July 1, 2023.