The bill is designed to improve the recruitment and retention of qualified school psychologists in Hawaii, particularly in hard-to-fill areas. By offering a substantial annual bonus of $5,000 to those who maintain their national certification, along with supplementary financial support for certification expenses, SB675 seeks to enhance the quality of psychological services available to students. This initiative is expected to help address potential gaps in mental health support within the state's educational system.
Summary
SB675 proposes the establishment of a nationally certified school psychologist incentive program within the Hawaii Department of Education. This program aims to recognize and support exemplary educational practices by providing financial incentives to school psychologists who earn and maintain national certification from the National Association of School Psychologists. The proposed legislation outlines specific bonuses and financial assistance for eligible school psychologists, including annual bonuses and reimbursements for certification costs.
Contention
While the bill aims to bolster educational support frameworks, potential points of contention may arise regarding budgetary implications and the prioritization of funding within the Department of Education. Specifically, how the state allocates resources for this program amid other pressing educational needs could spark debate. Stakeholders may raise concerns about ensuring equitable access to mental health resources across all school districts, especially if funding is limited and not everyone benefits from the incentive program.