Part I
Revises the minimum salary schedule for occupational and physical therapists employed full time by local boards of education in GS 115C-316(b1). Specifies that the salary schedule must be based on years of experience as a licensed therapist, divided evenly, no more than five years apart, and limited to a maximum of 30 years’ experience. Requires each local board to report the salary schedule by October 15th of each year to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), which must then report to the specified NCGA Committee. Mandates that for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, a therapist must receive the greater of either the applicable amount under the salary schedule or the salary they received for 2024-2025.
Part II
Provides that in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, occupational and physical therapists employed full time at public schools will receive a monthly salary supplement equal to (1) 10% of a teacher on the "A" salary schedule who had five years more experience than the therapist, and (2) $350. Also specifies that these therapists are eligible for salary supplements equal to those of teachers and support staff who have six-year degrees or doctoral degrees. Effective July 1, 2025, only if the General Assembly appropriates funds to DPI to provide the supplements in this part.
Part III
Enacts GS 115C-316.3 (Occupational therapist and physical therapist workforce report), requiring local boards of education to submit a report no later than February 15th of each year to DPI showing the number of occupational and physical therapists employed in local units, along with third-party contractors and vacant positions. Directs DPI to prepare a report by April 15th of each year for the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee with the information collected from each local board report.

Statutes affected:
Filed: 115C-316