CO HB1207

Extends the $1,600 annual stipend for national board-certified educators to include librarians and school social workers beginning in the 2023-24 budget year, in addition to existing eligible teachers, school counselors, principals, and school psychologists.

Expands the additional $3,200 annual stipend to librarians and school social workers employed in low-performing, high-needs schools, and extends it to all national board-certified educators employed in rural school districts or employed as math teachers in any school.

Allows educators to retain the additional $3,200 stipend if transferring between low-performing, high-needs schools or rural school districts, but lose eligibility if leaving those positions; math teachers retain eligibility when transferring schools if they continue teaching math.

Makes principals and administrators who maintain national board certification eligible for stipends and requires the department to promote the program and work with stakeholders to notify eligible educators.

Requires the General Assembly to appropriate at least $2.1 million annually from the General Fund beginning May 1, 2024, and establishes that if insufficient funds exist, all stipend amounts must be reduced by the same percentage proportionally.