DE HB244

Establishes phased-in funding for full-time athletic trainers in all Delaware public high schools serving grades 9-12.

Fiscal year 2025: Fund 1 unit for 9 schools; fiscal year 2026: fund 1 unit for 18 schools; fiscal year 2027: fund 1 unit for all high schools.

Designates schools to receive funding selected by the Department of Education and proportionally distributed across all 3 counties during the phase-in period.

Allows schools and districts to contract with public or private agencies for athletic trainer services as an alternative to direct employment, requiring 37.5 hours of service per school per week.

Athletic trainers shall be employed for 10 months per year at salaries determined according to the state salary schedule in § 1305.