SB 703

This bill modifies the teacher loan program to provide for loan forgiveness to

certain teachers employed in school districts in rural counties.

Under current law, the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) administers a

teacher loan program for students who meet certain eligibility criteria, including

enrollment in a program of study leading to a teacher's license in a teacher shortage

field. Under the program, HEAB may award, to an eligible student, a loan of up to

$10,000 annually for up to three years. HEAB must forgive 25 percent of the loan

for each school year that the loan recipient 1) is employed in the city of Milwaukee

as a full-time elementary or secondary school teacher in a high-demand, teacher

shortage field; and 2) receives a teacher rating of proficient or distinguished.

This bill provides for loan forgiveness under the teacher loan program for

teachers employed in school districts in rural counties, not only for those employed

in the city of Milwaukee.