Sponsors (12)
The bill directs federal funds to raise pay, training, and targeted recruitment of paraprofessionals in high‑need schools to improve support for students, but its effectiveness depends on annual appropriations and competitive grant processes that create administrative costs and may leave some disadvantaged localities without aid.
Paraprofessionals (low‑paid school staff) may receive wage increases or bonus pay, raising earnings and improving retention.
High‑need schools and students: the bill prioritizes funding and awards competitive subgrants to LEAs and educational service agencies to recruit and retain paraprofessionals in underserved districts.
Paraprofessionals and students: the bill funds certifications and high‑quality professional development to increase paraprofessional skills and career advancement, which can improve classroom support.
State and local education agencies: the program is dependent on annual appropriations, so without sufficient funding the program may provide little or no new support.
High‑need but capacity‑limited localities: competitive grants may favor agencies with stronger grant capacity, leaving some disadvantaged or rural communities without awards.
Eligible entities and paraprofessionals: states may use up to 5% of funds for administration and reporting requirements add administrative burden, reducing funds and staff time for direct services.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a federal grant program that gives State education agencies funds to competitively support recruitment and retention of paraprofessionals, prioritizing high‑need and rural schools.
Creates a new federal grant program that gives money to State educational agencies (SEAs) so they can competitively award subgrants to local education agencies, educational service agencies, and other eligible entities to recruit and retain paraprofessionals in public K–12 schools and preschool programs. Funds are allocated to States based on each State’s prior-year Title I, Part A share; SEAs may keep up to 5% for administration and must use the rest for competitive subgrants that support induction, mentoring, professional development, credentials, and wage increases or bonuses. The law requires SEAs to apply to the Department of Education and gives priority for subgrants to programs serving higher shares of low-income students, exclusively rural schools (NCES locale codes 41–43), or certain schools receiving special assistance and meeting an identified student percentage threshold. The statute defines low-income families for priority purposes with criteria tied to school meal program eligibility, TANF receipt, or Medicaid eligibility, and lists allowable uses for grant funds to support paraprofessional recruitment and retention.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by Edward John Markey · Last progress July 17, 2025