The executive director of the North Dakota School Boards Association said the 2017 Legislature will consider a student loan forgiveness program for new teachers who fill open jobs in rural areas, or areas of critical need.
Jon Martinson said the concept is – for teachers who agree to work in rural areas, they would get $4500 the first year, $4500 the second year and $6500 the third year.
"There's a teacher shortage throughout the nation," Martinson said. "Certainly we feel that in North Dakota."
Martinson said it is a critical need.
"Students have a right to have a teacher in the classroom," Martinson said. "We feel this is an obligation the state needs to make this relatively small investment to help rural schools attract teachers."
Martinson said Rep. Mike Nathe (R-Bismarck) – the chairman of the House Education Committee – will be the main sponsor of the bill.