CO HB1412

Creates the Retaining Teachers Grant Program to provide funding to school districts, charter schools, boards of cooperative services, and public schools to implement teacher retention initiatives.

Establishes the Retaining Teachers Fund in the state treasury with an initial appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2018-19, with up to 2% available for program administration.

Authorizes grants for eight specific initiatives including job-sharing, on-site childcare, teacher induction programs, mentorship programs, career advancement pathways, teacher recognition programs, reduced student contact hours, and blended learning technology projects.

Requires applicants to demonstrate teacher retention challenges, describe their proposed initiatives, establish measurable goals, and provide a sustainability plan; Department of Education administers applications with State Board awarding grants up to three years subject to annual review.

Sunsets the grant program and fund on July 1, 2022, with Department required to submit annual reports to legislature evaluating program effectiveness and recommending whether to continue the program.