Bill > LD98

This bill amends the Educators for Maine Program to include school counselors as eligible professionals for financial assistance and loan repayment benefits. Specifically, the bill defines a "school counselor" as someone employed in a school setting who is either certified by the state department or holds a master's degree in guidance and counseling. The changes expand the program's existing provisions for teachers to now include school counselors, allowing them to receive financial support for postsecondary education and potential loan repayments when working in underserved geographic areas of Maine. The bill modifies several sections of the existing law to insert references to school counselors, including eligibility criteria for loans, deferment options, and definitions of return service and postbaccalaureate certification. The goal appears to be addressing potential shortages of school counselors in certain areas of the state by providing financial incentives for professionals to enter and remain in these roles, similar to existing support for teachers and speech pathologists.

Education

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=98&snum=132