This bill amends several sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to enhance the Nebraska Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act by including provisions for paraeducator grants. The bill expands the definition of eligible recipients to include paraeducators, who provide instructional support in schools but do not require a teaching certificate. It establishes grant eligibility criteria for both teachers and paraeducators, with specific amounts and conditions for retention grants based on their employment duration and hours worked. The bill also mandates that grants be distributed automatically to the school districts employing eligible individuals, who will then allocate the funds accordingly.

Additionally, the bill modifies the purposes of the Education Future Fund to include funding aimed at reducing turnover rates for both teachers and paraeducators, alongside other educational initiatives. It outlines a structured funding plan, including significant transfers from the General Fund to the Education Future Fund over the next few fiscal years. The bill emphasizes the importance of incentivizing recruitment and retention policies at the school level while ensuring that all eligible teachers and paraeducators can access grants regardless of their school's policy status. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage due to the declared emergency.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 79-1021