School Psychologist Omnibus
The bill also introduces the School Psychologists Grant Program, designed to provide financial support to schools needing help attracting qualified school psychologists. Public school units can apply for grants to offer signing bonuses for new recruits, with a maximum bonus of $5,000 and a condition that the recipient stays within the unit for at least one year. There is scrutiny regarding the allocation of $1.7 million for implementing this grant program, aimed at further promoting mental well-being among students by increasing the availability of professional support.
Senate Bill 819, named the School Psychologist Omnibus, aims to enhance the quality and quantity of school psychologists within North Carolina. The bill proposes compensation increases, establishing a $650 monthly supplement for school psychologists, along with additional supplemental percentages for those holding Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credentials. This act requests an appropriation of $8.1 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year from the General Fund to support these salary enhancements, reflecting an investment in mental health resources within the educational system.
Responses to SB 819 have generally been positive among education advocates who see the necessity of mental health resources in schools. Proponents argue that these initiatives will also help bridge gaps in student support, addressing pressing issues of mental health. Conversely, some skeptics express concerns about the adequacy of funding and highlight fears that without sustainable long-term budgets, such programs might be short-lived, thereby limiting their potential benefits.
A notable point of contention revolves around the effectiveness of the bill to truly meet the needs of the schools in recruitment and retention of school psychologists. Critics question whether financial incentives alone can adequately solve systemic issues related to mental health support in schools. The bill's success will depend on ongoing evaluation and potential adjustments to ensure that it fulfills its primary goal to enhance student mental well-being through needed psychological services.