NC H848

Establishes a six-year pilot program (2025-2026 through 2030-2031) allowing Cleveland County Schools flexibility in staffing and budget allocations to improve student achievement and teacher recruitment/retention

Permits hiring unlicensed teachers with limitations: no more than 50% unlicensed at any single school, no more than 25% unlicensed district-wide, and core subject teachers must be college graduates with required preservice training

Allows flexibility in K-3 class size requirements and permits transfer of funds between teacher assistant and textbook/digital resources budget categories

Requires annual reports to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by December 15 each year, covering employment data, class sizes, and student success metrics

State Board of Education may terminate the pilot if the district fails fiscal management standards or violates state/federal law; the pilot program automatically sunsets December 31, 2031