HB 912

Enacts new GS 115C-269.33 creating the Hometown Teacher Grant Program to provide grants to local school administrative units to award salary supplements for eligible teachers. Tasks the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) with developing standards and eligibility parameters for the program. Defines eligible students as those who attended school for five years in the local administrative unit or graduated from a high school in the unit. Defines eligible teachers as those who agree to remain employed as a teacher in the same unit where they were qualified as an eligible student. Provides for a $500 monthly salary supplement to eligible teachers who enter into an agreement under the Program, subject to fund availability. Directs local boards of education that receive grants under the Program to promote the Program to high school students. Requires an annual report on the Program to the specified General Assembly committee, including information about funds awarded, the number of award recipients, placement rates, and recommendations for improvement. Appropriates $10 million from the General Fund in recurring funds for each fiscal year of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to the DPI for administration of the Program. Effective July 1, 2025.