North Dakota Legislators Introduced Teacher Bonus Bill

The proposed STAYS bill could provide educators with annual bonuses to address ongoing statewide teacher shortages.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Secondary Education

North Dakota Legislators Introduced Teacher Bonus Bill

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Should public teacher bonuses be restricted to public school employees only?

North Dakota lawmakers have introduced the Support Teachers and Youth Succeed (STAYS) bill, which aims to provide bonuses to teachers funded by the Common Schools Trust Fund. This initiative follows a state-declared critical teacher shortage that has impacted classrooms across the state.

Why it matters

Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary measure to improve teacher retention rates in a state where salaries currently average $60,000 annually. By utilizing state land and mineral wealth, the legislation seeks to bridge the compensation gap for educators working within the state.

The proposed bill offers an estimated $3,400 annual bonus for teachers, drawing from funds generated by state mineral and land assets. While North Dakota oversees 52 private schools, including 27 Catholic institutions, the inclusion of non-public school staff remains under debate.

The players

Mike Nathe

A state representative involved in legislative discussions regarding the teacher bonus amounts.

Grand Forks School Board

A local education authority that has expressed opposition to including private school teachers in the bonus program.

The details

The STAYS bill functions by linking educator compensation directly to the proceeds of North Dakota state land and mineral wealth. This funding model is intended to provide a reliable revenue stream to boost teacher retention amid competitive salary landscapes. Once enacted, bonuses are scheduled for distribution each August, though local districts like Grand Forks have raised concerns regarding the inclusion of private school teachers in the distribution pool.

• 2006: Carlo Acutis passed away.
• March 2026: The state board identified a critical teacher shortage.
• October 5, 2026: Rep. Mike Nathe discussed the proposed bonus amounts.
• November 2027: Construction of St. Carlo Acutis Middle School is slated for completion.

The Home Front

The proposed bill marks a shift in how the state utilizes its Common Schools Trust Fund to combat labor shortages. It specifically attempts to address compensation gaps compared to neighboring regions, where average teacher salaries can reach higher benchmarks like the $76,000 seen in Minnesota.

Families with students in the state should monitor local board meetings to see how this legislation might influence school staffing stability for the coming academic year. If you have children in private or public schools, track updates in August to understand if your district’s teacher retention outlook improves.

The takeaway

The proposed STAYS bill represents a significant effort to stabilize the teaching workforce through state mineral wealth funding. Residents should keep an eye on upcoming legislative sessions to see how the final bonus structure affects local school board budgets and staff retention.