A. It is the intent of the Oklahoma Legislature that, beginning with the 2001-2002 school year, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education establish a teacher shortage employment incentive program for students enrolled in a major course of study in mathematics or science at the undergraduate level or graduate level who declare an intention to serve and who subsequently serve this state by teaching in a secondary level public school of this state for a minimum of five (5) years in the subject areas of mathematics or science. Students meeting the criteria provided in this section shall be given the opportunity to enter into participation in the program.

B. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education are authorized to make employment incentive payments pursuant to the provisions of this section to persons who actually render a minimum of five (5) years of service as teachers in the public schools of this state if not less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the teaching assignment meets the criteria specified in subsection A of this section. The total amount of the employment incentive payments for any qualified person shall not exceed an amount equal to three times the average annual cost of undergraduate resident tuition and fees for full-time enrollment at institutions which offer teacher education programs within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, as defined by the State Regents. Any amount not necessary to repay the balance of a student's loan(s) shall be paid directly to any person otherwise eligible for employment incentive payments pursuant to this section.

C. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall require the execution of appropriate contracts with eligible persons. Persons failing to comply with the requirements of this section shall not be eligible for the employment incentive payments provided for in this section. The Chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, with approval of the State Regents, may contract with any other appropriate organization or unit of government for the administration of the provisions of this section.

D. If insufficient funds are available for employment incentive payments to qualified persons during any fiscal year, the Chancellor may make reductions in the payments made to those qualifying.

Added by Laws 2000, c. 242, § 1, eff. July 1, 2000. Amended by Laws 2001, c. 201, § 5.