Subcommittee backs funding support for 'grow-your-own' educator program

The Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Education advanced Senate Bill 706 after a brief presentation and unanimous voice vote.

Chairman Lowe presented SB 706 as a request from the State Department of Education to support the state’s “grow your own” educator efforts, funding coursework and related costs to help alternatively certified candidates complete requirements and enter classrooms. He described the funding as targeted to coursework and supports for alternative certification pathways.

Committee members asked no substantive questions following the presentation. A motion that the bill "do pass" was made and seconded; the committee recorded seven ayes and zero nays and the clerk declared SB 706 passed out of committee.

The committee adopted an untimely proposed committee substitute (PCS) related to the bill by unanimous consent earlier in the hearing. No specific appropriation amounts or implementation details were discussed on the record; committee members did not identify specific funding totals or implementation timelines during this session.

The committee moved on to other business after the vote.