AZ HB2159

Appropriates $3,000,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2023-2024 to the Arizona Department of Education for distribution to school districts with low teacher experience indices to hire professional development and support personnel.

Requires the Department of Education to distribute 50 percent of funds to school districts in counties with populations under 500,000 and 50 percent to districts in counties with populations of 500,000 or more.

Mandates school districts receiving funds ensure professional development and support services are available to both new teachers and teachers moving to different grade or subject areas.

Requires participating school districts to submit reports by September 1, 2024 containing teacher average salaries by experience level, retention rates by experience level, and quantitative benchmark and statewide assessment data.

Directs the Department of Education to compile all school district reports into a final collective report and submit it by January 1, 2025 to the governor, senate president, house speaker, and secretary of state.