North Carolina S949 appropriates funds to increase school psychologist and counselor positions to meet specified student-to-staff ratios.

North Carolina S949 allocates $359,300,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This funding aims to establish a tiered system of support for students by increasing the number of school health support personnel. Specifically, the bill mandates at least one school psychologist for every 700 students and one school counselor for every 250 students. The act becomes effective July 1, 2026.

North Carolina S949 appropriates funds to increase school psychologist and counselor positions to meet specified student-to-staff ratios.

North Carolina S949 allocates $359,300,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This funding aims to establish a tiered system of support for students by increasing the number of school health support personnel. Specifically, the bill mandates at least one school psychologist for every 700 students and one school counselor for every 250 students. The act becomes effective July 1, 2026.