NC S636

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 $1.7 million to provide signing bonuses up to $5,000 to recruit school psychologists, prioritizing districts without a full-time school psychologist

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

Appropriates $5 million in nonrecurring funds to Appalachian State University to host a virtual school psychology training program at its Hickory campus

Allocates $1.6 million in recurring funds to five UNC system institutions (Appalachian State, East Carolina, UNC Charlotte, UNC Chapel Hill, and Western Carolina) to support school psychology programs with the goal of doubling graduates