Sponsors (57)
The bill directs federal grants to raise paraprofessional pay and support credentialing—likely improving retention and student support in high-need schools—but creates ongoing federal spending, administrative burdens, and risks that competitive funding will leave some low-capacity districts behind.
Paraprofessionals in high-need schools (particularly low-income and rural schools) can receive higher wages or one-time/ongoing bonuses, increasing household incomes and improving staff retention.
Students in schools with many low-income children and in rural areas are likely to get more consistent instructional support as retained paraprofessionals reduce turnover and stabilize classroom staffing.
Paraprofessionals can access credentialing and certification supports, creating clearer career advancement pathways and strengthening the teacher pipeline over time.
Smaller or lower-capacity local education agencies (LEAs) may lose out under the competitive subgrant model, leaving students in some high-need districts without additional supports.
Federal taxpayers will fund a new ongoing grant program from FY2026–FY2030, increasing federal spending without a specified total appropriation, which could raise budgetary pressures or opportunity costs.
Local and state education agencies face additional administrative and annual reporting burdens to apply for and manage the grants, diverting staff time and resources.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced September 18, 2025 by Lucy Mcbath · Last progress September 18, 2025
Creates a federal grant program that gives states funding to run competitive subgrant competitions for local education agencies and educational service agencies to recruit, retain, train, credential, and raise pay for paraprofessionals who work in public preschool, elementary, and secondary schools. States receive allocations pro rata based on prior-year Title I, Part A allocations, may keep up to 5% for administration and statewide activities, and must award the remainder to eligible local entities that serve high-need schools. Funds may be used for induction and mentoring, professional development, credentialing or certification supports, wage increases and bonuses, and other activities to expand paraprofessional employment; priority is given to applicants serving larger shares of low-income students, certain rural locales, or schools eligible for specific school lunch program assistance. The bill requires annual state reporting, preserves collective bargaining rights while requiring compliance, and authorizes appropriations for FY2026–FY2030 with no specified dollar amount.