Bill > H566

This bill modifies the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program by expanding its scope and funding mechanisms. The bill introduces two key changes to the existing program: first, it allows for not only forgivable scholarship loans to participants but also grants to school leader preparation programs to develop innovative principal training methods. The bill permits the selection of up to eight grant recipients for scholarship loans and up to two recipients for innovation grants of up to $250,000 per fiscal year. Additionally, the bill allows the Principal Fellows Trust Fund to allocate up to $800,000 annually for various program-related expenses, including a new provision for creating programming on research-based school leadership practices that can be shared with eligible entities statewide. The bill also establishes more detailed reporting requirements for grant recipients, focusing on tracking program participants' placements, performance, and retention in North Carolina public schools. Importantly, the bill emphasizes the program's goal of elevating educators and transforming principal preparation across the state, with specific attention to placing school leaders in high-need schools. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving institutions time to prepare for the new grant and scholarship structures.

Education

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H566