(1) The purpose of this section is to provide a bonus from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education in recognition of the efforts made by paraprofessional employees who attain highly qualified status.
(2) A person who is eligible for a bonus under this section may receive a bonus under subsection (b) or subsection (c) of this section but shall not receive a bonus under both subsection (b) and subsection (c) of this section.
(3) The bonuses under this section are contingent upon the appropriation and availability of funding.
(4) A paraprofessional who is under a contract of employment with a public school district or education service cooperative as a paraprofessional employee on May 1, 2007, and who holds an associate degree or higher degree shall be considered a highly qualified paraprofessional and shall receive a one-time bonus of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(5) A paraprofessional who is under a contract of employment with a public school district or education service cooperative as a paraprofessional employee on May 1, 2007, shall be considered a highly qualified paraprofessional and shall receive a one-time bonus of five hundred dollars ($500) if he or she has: Completed sixty (60) hours of coursework at an institution of higher education; or
(6) Passed the high-stakes test for highly qualified status.