Salary Supplement for Highly Needed Educators (SHiNE) Program
Adopted 5/14/2025
Philosophy
This policy establishes the procedures and requirements for administering the Salary Supplement for Highly Needed Educators (SHiNE) Program beginning July 1, 2025, in accordance with Utah Code §53F-2-504. The SHiNE Program replaces the previously established Teacher Salary Supplement Program (TSSP), which was formerly administered by the Utah State Board of Education. While SHiNE remains funded through state appropriations and governed by state statute, the administration and distribution of funds are now delegated to individual school districts, in accordance with locally developed policies. The purpose of this policy is to identify critical staffing areas, determine eligible educators, and allocate supplemental compensation to strengthen educator recruitment and retention in high-needs teaching assignments.
Definitions
“Eligible Teacher” means: a teacher that holds a Professional Educator License who has a qualifying assignment and is either a new employee or has not received an unsatisfactory rating on the three most recent evaluations.
“High-Needs Area” means: at least two and up to five teaching assignments that are designated in policy as challenging to fill or retain.
“Qualifying Assignment” means: a teaching assignment within a designated high-needs area.
Identification of High-Needs Areas
South Sanpete School District will identify a minimum of two and up to five high-needs teaching areas annually. This determination will be based on factors such as documented staffing shortages, high turnover rates, challenges in recruitment and retention, and the impact on academic programming or student achievement. Identified high-needs areas will be reviewed annually and will be updated in policy as needed.
Based on the established criteria, South Sanpete School District has identified the following as high-needs areas: High School Mathematics (Grades 9-12), High School Science (Grades 9-12), and Special Education.
Salary Supplement Amount
The salary supplement amount shall be determined annually by South Sanpete School District based on available funding allocated by the Utah State Board of Education. The supplement amount will be published on the Salary Schedule approved by the South Sanpete Board of Education annually. The amount shall be consistent across all eligible teachers and include employer-paid benefits, which are in addition to the established supplement amount. In the event the program receives a higher number of qualifying applicants that exceeds the allocation the SHiNE program account balance, the District may reduce all awards by the same ratio and proportion.
The supplement will be distributed in two payments, with the first in January and the second in June of the applicable school year.
The salary supplement amount will be prorated in accordance with the full-time equivalent (FTE) percentage of the educator’s qualifying assignment.
The salary supplement amount will be awarded based on the expectation that the educator will fulfill the full duration of the qualifying assignment. If the educator does not complete the assignment, the supplement will be prorated based on the portion of the assignment completed.
Eligibility, Application, and Verification Process
To qualify for a SHiNE supplement, a teacher must hold a valid Professional Utah educator license, be assigned to a subject area designated as high-need, and qualify for the high-needs area assignment.
Educators must submit a SHiNE stipend application by September 15th of each year to be considered for eligibility. The Superintendent or designee will verify eligibility using assignment records, licensure status, and other required documentation. Educators may be required to submit additional documents for verification upon request. The District will provide written notification to each applicant regarding their eligibility status, the approved supplement amount, and the anticipated disbursement timeline.
Awards to the SHiNE applicants are entirely dependent on the continued legislative funding and authorization. No applicant has any guarantee of continued participation in the program.
Appeals Process
A teacher who does not receive a SHiNE supplement may submit an appeal if they believe their assignment is substantially equivalent to a designated high-needs area. A written appeal must be submitted within 30 calendar days of notification and must include documentation including official transcripts and any relevant professional qualifications. Appeals will be reviewed by the Superintendent or a designated SHiNE Appeals Committee. Once a determination is made, the educator will be notified in writing of the decision.
Compliance and Reporting
South Sanpete School District shall comply with all data reporting and audit requirements as outlined by the Utah State Board of Education.
