School employees: social workers.

Existing law establishes a system of public elementary and secondary schools in the state and authorizes local educational agencies throughout the state to operate schools and provide instruction to pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive. Existing law authorizes a school district to employ and compensate psychologists and social workers who meet specified qualifications. This bill would require, commencing with the 2022–23 school year, a school district to employ a minimum ratio of one social worker, as defined, for every 250 pupils. By imposing an additional duty on school districts, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.