NC S382

Appropriates $7,500,000 in recurring funds for fiscal year 2019-2020 to provide school psychologists with an additional $1,000 monthly stipend beyond their "A" salary schedule compensation.

Establishes the School Psychologist Recruitment and Retention Program administered by the State Board of Education to provide signing and retention bonuses up to $10,000 per individual school psychologist.

Requires school psychologists receiving bonuses to commit to employment for three to five years with pro-rated repayment obligations if they leave before the agreed-upon period, except in cases of death, reduction in force, or disability.

Directs the recruitment and retention coordinator to allocate bonus funds based on school unit resources, student mental health impact, recruitment/retention history, and likelihood of success without bonus incentives, while ensuring funds supplement rather than replace local spending.

Appropriates $750,000 in recurring funds for program administration, including up to $100,000 to establish a full-time recruitment and retention coordinator position at the Department of Public Instruction; act becomes effective July 1, 2019.