H.R. 8676: To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to State educational agencies to carry out wellness programs for school personnel, and for other purposes.

The bill aims to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to introduce wellness programs for school personnel. Here’s a summary of its main components:

Grants to States for Wellness Programs

The bill authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to state educational agencies from fiscal years 2026 through 2030. These grants are specifically designated for implementing wellness programs that support the health and well-being of school staff, including teachers, principals, and other personnel.

State Funding and Allotments

• States will receive allocated funds to carry out wellness initiatives aimed at improving conditions for school personnel.
• Grants will be competitive, based on applications from state educational agencies, with a focus on those facing challenges related to workforce sustainability and retention.

Wellness Programs for School Personnel

The bill introduces a new section outlining that local educational agencies, receiving funds via state grants, will create and implement wellness programs. These programs are intended to:

• Promote healthier work environments.
• Increase retention rates of school personnel.
• Address various aspects of well-being, including stress management, workplace conditions, and job satisfaction.

Reporting Requirements

States must provide annual reports detailing the wellness programs implemented by local educational agencies as well as their effectiveness concerning personnel retention and workplace climate. This includes a final report at the end of the grant period that evaluates the overall impact of the wellness initiatives.

Priority Considerations

If many applications are received, the Secretary of Education will prioritize grants for states with significant educator shortages. Local educational agencies serving high-need student populations will also get preference when subgrants are awarded.

Use of Funds

The funds provided through the grants must be used for creating, implementing, or enhancing wellness programs tailored for all school personnel. This includes a focus on:

• Measuring and improving mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Addressing stress and workload manageability.
• Ensuring access to supportive resources.

Technical Assistance

The Secretary of Education may offer support to state educational agencies to help them meet the goals of the wellness programs and grants.

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