NC S167

Appropriates $16.2 million in recurring funds for fiscal year 2025-2026 to increase the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) student allotment

Requires the State Board of Education to allocate LEP funds to local school units and charter schools based on a three-year average of LEP student percentages, with eligibility requiring at least 20 LEP students or LEP students comprising at least 2.5% of average daily membership

Permits allocated funds to be used for classroom teachers, teacher assistants, tutors, textbooks, instructional supplies, equipment, transportation, and staff development for LEP students

Mandates the State Board of Education to study and report by December 31, 2025, on whether current LEP funding aligns with student needs, including recommendations for a language diversity funding factor, bilingual education programs, and models to eliminate achievement gaps

Requires the Department of Public Instruction to prepare an annual head count of LEP students by December 1, with English proficiency assessments required at least every three years