1. (a) Limitations. In addition to the limitations associated with eligible education loans established in §23.2 of this chapter (relating to Eligible Lender and Eligible Education Loan), the following limitations apply to the Math and Science Scholars Loan Repayment Assistance Program.

   1. (1) No more than 4,000 eligible teachers shall receive loan repayment assistance in any school year.
   2. (2) Failure to meet Program requirements will result in non-payment for the applicable year of employment and, except as provided by subsection (b) of this section, removal from the Program.
   3. (3) An individual may receive loan repayment assistance under this program for no more than eight service periods.
   4. (4) An individual's loan repayment assistance amount may not exceed the unpaid principal and interest owed on one or more eligible education loans, as defined in §23.2 of this chapter.

2. (b) Good Cause for Breaks in Service Period. A teacher enrolled in the Program shall not lose Program eligibility due to failure to meet the consecutive years of qualifying employment requirement if the break in employment service is a result of the teacher's:

   1. (1) full-time enrollment in a course of study related to the field of teaching that is approved by the State Board for Educator Certification and provided by a Texas institution of higher education, as defined in Texas Education Code, §61.003;
   2. (2) service on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, including as a member of a reserve or National Guard unit called for active duty;
   3. (3) temporary total disability for a period of not more than thirty-six months as established by the affidavit of a qualified physician;
   4. (4) inability to secure employment for a period not to exceed twelve months, because of care required by a disabled spouse or child; or
   5. (5) inability, despite reasonable efforts, to secure, for a single period not to exceed twelve months, employment in a public school.

Source Note:The provisions of this §23.294 adopted to be effective August 30, 2016, 41 TexReg 6484; transferred effective December 15, 2016, as published in the Texas Register November 25, 2016, 41 TexReg 9341; amended to be effective December 5, 2019, 44 TexReg 7384; amended to be effective November 14, 2024, 49 TexReg 8910.