NC S259

School psychologists receive a $650 monthly salary supplement plus an additional 12% monthly salary supplement for those with Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credentials, funded by $8.1 million in recurring appropriations for FY 2025-2026

Establishes a School Psychologists Grant Program with $5 million to provide signing bonuses up to $5,000 to recruit school psychologists, prioritizing school units without a full-time school psychologist, with recipients required to remain employed for at least one year

Creates a school psychologist internship program with $5 million in funding to provide up to 10-month stipends at beginning school psychologist salary levels, plus $500-$1,200 lump sum supplements for field supervisors

Allocates $5 million in nonrecurring funds to Appalachian State University for a virtual school psychology training program and $1.6 million in recurring funds to five UNC institutions to double school psychologist production

Enacts the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact, allowing licensed school psychologists from member states to obtain equivalent licenses in North Carolina, with the State Board of Education serving as the licensing authority