Kentucky House Bill HB390

Kentucky 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/23
• Refer: 2/21/23

Caption

AN ACT relating to financial incentives to reduce teacher shortages and making an appropriation therefor.

Impact

The implementation of HB 390 is expected to have a positive impact on state laws regarding education and teacher recruitment. By lowering financial barriers, the bill could lead to an increase in the number of qualified teachers entering Kentucky's public schools. The provisions for both stipend and loan forgiveness funds create a structural shift in how the state supports teacher education and retention, which is critical given the ongoing challenges related to teacher shortages across the country, especially in rural areas and subjects with high demand.

Summary

House Bill 390 aims to address the teacher shortage in Kentucky by providing financial incentives for individuals to pursue careers in education. The bill establishes two primary initiatives: the Student Teacher Stipend Program and the Teacher Recruitment Student Loan Forgiveness Program. The stipend offers eligible students a financial award of up to $8,000 during their student teaching phase, which is intended to help alleviate the financial burdens associated with completing educator preparation programs. Additionally, the loan forgiveness program enables teachers who work in public schools for a qualified duration to receive partial repayment of their student loans, making the teaching profession more attractive to prospective educators.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 390 is largely supportive, as stakeholders recognize the urgent need to recruit and retain quality educators. Legislators, educational institutions, and advocacy groups have expressed optimism that these financial incentives will lead to a more stable and effective teaching workforce. However, there are some concerns related to the sufficiency of funding allocated for these programs, as well as debates about the long-term sustainability of such financial support for teachers.

Contention

Some points of contention regarding HB 390 include the adequacy of the funding appropriated for the stipend and loan forgiveness programs, which totals $15 million for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Critics worry that this amount might not be enough to cover the growing needs for teacher recruitment in Kentucky, especially if the programs become popular and the number of applicants increases significantly. Additionally, there are discussions about the specific eligibility requirements for students and teachers, and whether they may inadvertently exclude capable candidates who could contribute to fulfilling the state's educational needs.