This bill would change the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to allow the U.S. Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to State educational agencies. Those State agencies would give subgrants to local school districts so every school can start or improve wellness programs for school personnel. The programs must aim to create healthier, more sustainable workplaces and to measure and improve staff mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Examples listed in the bill include stress management, workplace conditions, workload manageability, access to support, and job satisfaction. Grants would run for five years. The Secretary may give technical assistance. States must consult with local superintendents when awarding subgrants and give priority to areas with teacher or administrator shortages or high-need student populations. States must report annually (for the first four years) and a final report after the grant period about program activities, retention and vacancy rates, and staff climate measures.
If your school district receives a subgrant, it could develop or expand staff wellness programs focused on stress, workload, and workplace supports. School staff may see new surveys, supports, or training aimed at improving morale and retention. State education agencies must apply for grants and will decide which local districts get subgrants. The bill sets reporting requirements for states and districts to show what programs were used and whether staff retention or school climate changed.
The bill authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" to be appropriated for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to fund these grants. No dollar amounts or total cost estimates are specified in the bill text. No publicly available information on projected federal cost estimates is included in the bill.
The bill frames these grants as ways to improve workforce sustainability and retention. It emphasizes improving workload manageability, morale, workplace climate, and access to wellness resources for teachers, principals, support staff, and paraprofessionals. The bill also highlights measuring effects on retention, vacancies, and school climate as part of state reporting.
No publicly available information.