Bill > HB1254

This bill requires county boards of education, when considering a "service contract" (defined as a contract for services provided to a public school), to first submit information to the State Department of Education justifying the need for the contract and demonstrating that they have explored alternatives and that the contract will result in at least a 20% cost savings compared to using school employees, excluding savings from reduced employee pay or benefits. Additionally, county boards must submit a plan to assist any employees negatively impacted by the contract, including efforts to reassign them or provisions for the contractor to hire them. The bill also mandates that by July 1, 2027, the State Department of Education will develop a new professional development system for paraeducators and other education support professionals, which county boards must then provide to their employees by June 30, 2028. This new system aims to enhance the skills and collaboration of these vital school staff members.