Salt Lake City School District has released information regarding professional development funding for the 2026-2027 school year under HB396. The legislation provides funding for eligible educators to complete 28 hours of paid professional time at their hourly rate.
According to the district, the compensation is available to general education and special education teachers, counselors, school specialists, library technology teachers, school psychologists, speech pathologists, audiologists, and building administrators. Hourly teachers are not eligible for this funding.
To receive payment, educators must complete and submit a professional learning plan via the district electronic form before beginning any work. The deadline for submitting these plans is 11:59 p.m. on September 30, 2026. Professional development work for HB396 may be completed between July 1, 2026, and May 27, 2027, provided the work is performed outside of contract time. Activities performed during regularly scheduled meetings or planning time are not eligible for payment.
The district requires a timecard and activity log to be reviewed and signed by a principal no later than May 27, 2027. Completed timecards and activity logs must be submitted to the Professional Development Office, specifically to Morgan Crossley or Katie Ieremia, by June 10, 2027. Only one timecard and activity log containing all hours will be accepted, and original signatures are required as electronic copies or signatures are not permitted.
The district noted that payments will begin once the state provides funding, which is currently anticipated to be early 2026. Legislative history for HB396 includes various versions from the 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 General Sessions, including related measures such as HB489, SB137, and HB499.
For questions regarding HB396, individuals may contact professional.development@slcschools.org with the subject line HB396.
