SB19-009 Summary

• Amends Colorado law to make rural educator financial incentive programs subject to available appropriations rather than a fixed start date of January 1, 2017.

• Increases maximum stipend amount for student teachers in rural schools from $2,800 to $4,000 per student, with funding provided to institutions of higher education.

• Student teachers receiving stipends must agree to work in a rural school or district for at least two years, or reimburse two-thirds of the stipend; partial reimbursement of one-third applies if they only teach one year.

• Modifies national board certified teacher and concurrent enrollment stipend provisions to prioritize teacher applications over special services providers when applications exceed available appropriations.

• Includes safety clause declaring the act necessary for immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety.