BILL NUMBER: S9101
SPONSOR: SEPULVEDA
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing a grant
program to promote the mental health and wellness of teachers and staff
in public schools
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill establishes a grant program to help New York public schools
implement programs that promote the mental health and wellness of educa-
tors and support staff.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill adds § 3615 to the education law, establishing a
teacher and staff mental health support grant program under the joint
custody of the State Comptroller and the Commissioner of Taxation and
Finance.
§ 3615(2) provides that the grant fund shall consist of all revenues
received from any public or private source for the purpose of teacher
and staff wellness grants; however, no monies from the state general
fund shall be made available or transferred to this fund.
§ 3615(3) provides that funds appropriated by the Legislature may be
expended for operational and planning grants to promote mental health
and wellness of teachers and support staff and that money shall be paid
out of the fund on commissioner approval or certification.
§ 3615(4) outlines the professionals who are eligible for this grant and
provides a non-exhaustive list of programs that may be considered.
§ 3615(5) and (6) establish both planning and operational grants.
Public school districts are eligible to apply for a one-year planning
grant for the purpose of planning for the implementation of these
support programs. Applications must include the planning budget and the
program description and will be evaluated on a competitive basis.
Districts that receive a planning grant and successfully implement their
planning program become eligible to apply for a two-year operational
grant to fund the program as planned. Reports may be required as neces-
sary for program evaluation.
§ 3615(7) limits eligibility to public schools and tasks the Commission-
er with developing a a standardized application, which shall include the
previously mentioned requirements, as well as information on the
school's financial needs, employee satisfaction and turnover rates, and
student success rates.
§ 3615(8) provides for the establishment of a ten-person advisory
committee, including representatives from non-profit mental health
awareness or support organizations, educators, and mental health profes-
sionals, to consult, review, and make recommendations.
§ 3615(9) authorizes the Commissioner to adopt rules and regulations as
necessary to carry out these provisions
§ 3615(10) requires the Commissioner to issue an annual report to the
legislature concerning these programs.
Section 2 sets the act to take effect immediately after it is signed
into law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Teachers and support staff do far more than provide instruction on
curriculum. They wear many hats, and each one plays a critical role in
childhood development. Our teachers, aides, paraprofessionals, adminis-
trative staff, and many other individuals who contribute to student
success offer care, emotional guidance, and serve as essential role
models for students.
This bill establishes a grant program that is designed to help schools
implement programs to promote the mental health and wellness of educa-
tors and support staff. The goal is to provide an additional avenue of
support, promote longevity, and prevent burnout. By establishing both
planning and operational grants, this bill encourages districts to
develop substantive, comprehensive plans that align with the specific
needs of educators and staff within their district.
This support is especially important as the profession faces significant
challenges. Schools are navigating high turnover, increasing demands,
and changing classroom environments, while teachers are responsible for
addressing growing safety concerns both online and in the classroom.
These pressures take a toll on educators and support staff. This bill
hopes to ease those pressures by creating a new tool to promote long-
teiiii well-being. By supporting the health and balance of educators, we
create better learning environments for our students and strengthen our
public schools.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.