CO HB1036

Expands the national certification stipend program to include school counselors holding National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification and school psychologists holding National Association of School Psychologists certification, beginning with the 2019-20 school year for psychologists.

Awards an annual stipend of $1,600 to nationally certified teachers, school counselors, and principals employed in school districts, charter schools, or cooperative service programs.

Provides an additional annual stipend of $3,200 to eligible school professionals employed in low-performing, high-needs schools, with continuation if the school improves sufficiently to implement an improvement or performance plan.

Stipends are payable May 1 each year, prorated for part-time employment, considered regular salary, and paid directly by school districts to eligible professionals, with districts able to withhold required retirement and Medicare contributions.

If insufficient funding exists, stipends are awarded only to school professionals who meet the criteria and are employed in low-performing, high-needs schools.