Delaware sets school worker permit and salary supplement rules

The Department issues permits to certain public school workers who meet education and training requirements. Covered roles include paraprofessionals, other student support staff, certain substitute teachers, student teachers, year-long residents, specialist interns, and classroom aides working or seeking work in a Delaware public school. Applicants must lack an education license or an approved professional license under Title 24. The Department and the Professional Standards Board set the education and training requirements. Permits last up to five years. Holders may renew after completing required activities; intern permits may be extended through the internship but cannot be renewed. Sections 1 and 2 take effect immediately and must be implemented within one year of enactment or when final regulations are published, whichever comes first.

The Secretary may limit, suspend, or revoke a permit for listed conduct. These rules cover permit holders as well as people with licenses or certificates under the education chapter. Listed grounds include fraud, certain crimes, and misconduct. Most disciplinary action requires written notice and an opportunity for a hearing. For a complaint presenting a clear and immediate danger to students, the Secretary may temporarily suspend a permit after at least 72 hours' notice. The suspension generally lasts no more than 60 days unless the person asks to delay the hearing. Sections 1 and 2 take effect immediately and must be implemented within one year of enactment or when final regulations are published, whichever comes first.

The salary schedule allows eligible employees to receive a state-funded supplement of $750 to $5,000 for approved additional responsibility assignments that affect student achievement. The provision covers employees paid under the basic salary schedule, including teachers and other listed school employees. The Professional Standards Board and State Board of Education must approve the assignments through regulations. A district may designate additional academic assignments with both boards’ approval. Supplements depend on an annual state appropriation. Assignments cannot be extracurricular or noninstructional supervisory work. Section 4 takes effect immediately.

The text marks the Special Institute for Teacher Licensure and Certification subchapter as repealed. The marked subchapter covers a special teacher training program and its admission, service, and course requirements. Section 3 takes effect immediately and must be implemented within one year of enactment or when final regulations are published, whichever comes first.

The Department may seek repayment from a district or charter school for certain payments to workers lacking required credentials. These rules cover districts and charter schools, their employees, and vendors or contractors providing services that require a license, certificate, or permit. For a worker hired without required credentials, repayment may cover only the time after the first 90 days if the school intentionally keeps the worker in the job. For expired credentials, repayment is allowed only if the Department gave notice before expiration, and not if the Department caused a delay. A school may seek repayment from a worker only if the worker intentionally gave false information or failed to provide needed documents. A vendor or contractor that knowingly assigns an unqualified person may be reported for possible business license revocation. Section 5 takes effect immediately and must be implemented within one year of enactment or when final regulations are published, whichever comes first.