Bill > S259

This bill aims to improve the number and quality of school psychologists in North Carolina through several key provisions. First, for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, school psychologists will receive a monthly salary supplement of $650, with an additional 12% supplement for those holding a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential. The bill establishes a School Psychologists Grant Program that will provide grants to public school units to recruit school psychologists, with priority given to units without a full-time school psychologist and with individual signing bonuses not exceeding $5,000. A new School Psychologists Internship Program will provide stipends to full-time school psychology students during their internship period, with field supervisors also eligible for a salary supplement. The bill allocates $5 million to Appalachian State University to host a virtual school psychology training program and provides $1.6 million to several University of North Carolina institutions to support and potentially double their school psychology programs. Additionally, the bill creates an Interstate Licensure Compact for School Psychologists to facilitate easier licensure across states, improve mobility for school psychologists, and address workforce shortages. The compact establishes a comprehensive framework for interstate licensing, information sharing, and professional standards, with provisions for military members and their spouses. The bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, with the goal of addressing critical shortages and improving school psychological services across North Carolina.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S259