Enacts new GS 115C-235 to create a pilot program in Cleveland County Schools beginning in the 2025-2026 school year and ending after the 2030-2031 school year. The program allows Cleveland County Schools and the Cleveland County Board of Education to exercise flexibility in class sizes for kindergarten through third grade. The program also allows a school to hire teachers who do not possess a license in compliance with the law or in accordance with the regulations of the State Board of Education. Up to fifty percent of teachers in a school may be unlicensed. Up to twenty-five percent of all teachers employed by the Cleveland County Board of Education may be unlicensed. Teachers of mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts must be college graduates. Unlicensed teachers must complete preservice training in identifying students with disabilities, managing student behavior, defusing and de-escalating disruptive or dangerous behavior, and the safe and appropriate use of seclusion and restraint. Individuals who qualify to be teacher assistants in kindergarten classrooms may be teacher assistants in NC Pre-K classrooms without meeting the requirements established by statute or regulation for NC Pre-K teacher assistants. Allows the transfer of funds for teacher assistants, textbooks, and digital resources.
The State Board of Education may terminate participation in the pilot. If it does, it shall submit a report on the basis and evidence for the termination to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.
Each year of the pilot, the Cleveland County Board of Education shall report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on employment information, including the number of licensed and unlicensed teachers and long-term substitutes, recruiting data, the number of NC Pre-K teacher assistants who meet the requirements for employment as kindergarten teacher assistants, and employee retention. The report must also include average class sizes for kindergarten through third grade, explanations of flexibility in allotment, how that flexibility contributes to student success, and recommendations for the pilot.
Allows Cleveland County Schools to submit a report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee and Superintendent of Public Instruction on initial implementation and recommended legislative changes and expresses intent to provide funding to Cleveland County Schools for a teacher compensation model and student behavior intervention program.
Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
Repeals new GS 115C-235 effective December 31, 2031.