NC S397

Establishes a program enhancement teacher allotment for kindergarten through fifth grade at a ratio of one teacher per 191 students, covering arts, physical education, world languages, and other supplemental classes.

Appropriates funding beginning in fiscal year 2019-2020 at 50%, increasing to 75% in 2020-2021, and reaching 100% from 2021-2022 onward for program enhancement teacher positions.

Makes school districts that receive a waiver for all kindergarten through third grade class sizes ineligible for program enhancement teacher funds in the fiscal year they receive the waiver.

Permits school districts with K-3 class size waivers to use classroom teacher positions to hire program enhancement teachers, with expanded flexibility beginning July 1, 2021 to use K-12 classroom teacher allotments for this purpose.

Applies to the 2019-2020 through 2022-2023 school years, expiring June 30, 2023.