Bill > S167

This bill addresses support for students with limited English proficiency (LEP) in North Carolina through several key provisions. For the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the State Board of Education will allocate funds to local school administrative units and charter schools based on their percentage of LEP students, with eligibility requirements of either having at least 20 LEP students or LEP students comprising at least 2.5% of average daily membership. These funds can be used for classroom teachers, teacher assistants, tutors, textbooks, instructional supplies, transportation, and staff development. The Department of Public Instruction will track the number of LEP students annually and assess their English proficiency at least every three years. The bill also mandates a comprehensive study by the State Board of Education due by December 31, 2025, which will examine the current LEP allotment's effectiveness, recommend funding factors, explore bilingual education programs, and analyze potential changes to the funding model. Additionally, the bill appropriates $16.2 million in recurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to increase the LEP allotment, with the legislation becoming effective on July 1, 2025. The goal is to provide more robust support and resources for students learning English in North Carolina's educational system.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S167