(a) The Commissioner of Education shall establish a “Critical Needs Teacher Incentive Program” offering financial incentives, including but not limited to, grants for airfare and relocation expenses, and sign-on bonuses of not more than $1,500.00 per recipient.
(b) To the extent that sufficient funds are available, the Critical Needs Teacher Incentive Program shall take effect with the commencement of the 2001–2002 academic year.
(c) On or before September 1 of each year, the Commissioner of Education shall submit to the Governor and to the Legislature, and make available for public distribution, a report detailing the Department of Education's plan to carry out the provisions of this section. The annual report shall detail progress made in fulfilling the plan authorized by the provisions of this section and shall include any additional recruitment efforts which may be necessary or appropriate including recommendations for amendment of laws, changes in administrative practices and patterns of organization, and changes in levels and patterns of financial support.