The bill would create a grant program run by the Secretary of Education to help recruit and retain paraprofessionals in public schools and preschool programs. States with approved applications would receive funds and award competitive subgrants to local education agencies and certain education service agencies. Grants could support mentoring, professional development, credentials, higher wages, or bonus pay. States must give priority to applicants serving more children from low-income families or meeting specified rural or school meal program criteria. States must report each year on pay, staffing, and grant activities.
Schools and eligible education agencies could apply for state subgrants. The funds could support paraprofessional training, credentials, recruitment, or retention, including through higher pay or bonuses. The bill does not guarantee that any particular school or employee would receive support.
The bill authorizes amounts deemed necessary for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, but does not specify a dollar amount. States could use up to 5 percent of their allotments for administration and statewide activities. Other funds would support competitive subgrants.
The bill's stated purpose is to support the recruitment and retention of school paraprofessionals. No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.