Section 6-17-2206 - Highly qualified paraprofessional bonuses(a)(1) The purpose of this section is to provide a bonus from the Division of Elementary and Secondary 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 subsection (c) of this section but shall not receive a bonus under both subsection (b) and subsection (c) of this section.(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.Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1482, eff. 7/1/2019.Acts 2007, No. 1197, § 1.