20-2-192. Qualified student advocacy specialist; grants; application.

As used in this Code section, the term “qualified student advocacy specialist” means an individual employed by a local school system whose beginning salary and benefits are eligible for reimbursement grants under this Code section.#

Subject to appropriations by the General Assembly, the State Board of Education shall provide grants to local school systems for the purpose of reimbursing local school systems for expenditures sufficient to pay the beginning salaries and benefits of qualified student advocacy specialists employed by such local school systems.#

Under such grant program, local school systems shall be eligible for reimbursement for an amount equal to the beginning salary and benefits of:#

1. (1)

   One qualified student advocacy specialist for local school systems with a full-time equivalent enrollment of fewer than 18,000 students;#

2. (2)

   Two qualified student advocacy specialists for local school systems with a full-time equivalent enrollment of 18,000 to 36,000 students; or#

3. (3)

   Three qualified student advocacy specialists for local school systems with a full-time equivalent enrollment of more than 36,000 students.#

By December 31, 2025, the State Board of Education shall establish policies, rules, and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Code section, including, but not limited to, the process by which local school systems shall request and receive such grant funds. Such policies, rules, and regulations shall condition the receipt of such grant funds on the local school system’s compliance with all applicable provisions of Code Section 20-2-1185.#

By December 31, 2025, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, in consultation with the Department of Education, shall establish the essential duties and minimum qualifications for qualified student advocacy specialists hired by local school systems. Such minimum qualifications shall be established so as to maximize opportunities for local school systems to hire qualified student advocacy specialists capable of performing such essential duties, which shall include, but shall not be limited to:#

1. (1)

   Coordinating the efforts of the local school system to identify and facilitate appropriate interventions for students with or at risk for mental health concerns, including, but not limited to, telehealth services;#

2. (2)

   Coordinating, documenting, evaluating, and reporting the outcomes of Tier 1 and Tier 2 behavioral health training programs and materials of the local school system, including, but not limited to, such training programs and materials as provided for in Code Section 20-2-779.1; and#

3. (3)

   Attending information and training meetings relating to school safety and student behavioral health provided or facilitated by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency or the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.#

This Code section shall not apply to the Department of Juvenile Justice or its school system.#

Nothing in the Code section shall be construed to prohibit local school systems from hiring or contracting with student advocacy specialists using other funds available for such purpose.#