§ 6-17-2206 - Highly qualified paraprofessional bonuses. - Arkansas Statutes

6-17-2206. Highly qualified paraprofessional bonuses.

(a) (1) The purpose of this section is to provide a bonus from the Department of Education in recognition of the efforts made by paraprofessional employees who attain highly qualified status.

(2) A person who is eligible for a bonus under this section may receive a bonus under subsection (b) or (c) of this section but shall not receive a bonus under both subsections.

(3) The bonuses under this section are contingent upon the appropriation and availability of funding.

(b) A paraprofessional who is under a contract of employment with a public school district or education service cooperative as a paraprofessional employee on May 1, 2007, and who holds an associate degree or higher degree shall be considered a highly qualified paraprofessional and shall receive a one-time bonus of one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(c) A paraprofessional who is under a contract of employment with a public school district or education service cooperative as a paraprofessional employee on May 1, 2007, shall be considered a highly qualified paraprofessional and shall receive a one-time bonus of five hundred dollars ($500) if he or she has:

(1) Completed sixty (60) hours of coursework at an institution of higher education; or

(2) Passed the high-stakes test for highly qualified status.