NC H359

Appropriates $8,000,000 for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to increase school-based administrator salaries by 3% effective July 1, 2015.

Appropriates $1,500,000 for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to provide $2,000 annual bonuses to principals whose schools exceed annual student achievement growth expectations as measured by the Education Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS).

Directs the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee to study excellence in school leadership and recommend improvements in recruitment, preparation, induction, support, and retention of school principals and assistant principals.

Requires the Committee to examine competitive salary structures, principal preparation program redesigns, mentoring programs, professional development credentialing, differentiated pay for peer leadership responsibilities, and performance bonuses tied to school achievement outcomes.

Committee must report findings and recommendations to the 2016 Regular Session of the General Assembly.