Video & Transcript Research : 'elementary school'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (04/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- or who go to non-public charter schools or who go to non-public schools schools schools um<00:54:28.720
- We renovated all eight of our schools—the elementary school, the preschool, the middle school, and the
- Then we did all the elementary schools and all of those.
- Um, I was just wondering why, um, you began in the middle school and not in the elementary.
- schools and their children to school schools and their children to school hungry,<04:17:21.520><
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 292, which would authorize a governor’s warrant to cover special education aid shortfalls from the education trust fund, and from the general fund if needed, so local school districts would not have to absorb prorated costs or raise local property taxes. Senator Lang said the bill was prompted by a prior $15 million special education funding shortfall caused by higher-than-expected catastrophic aid claims, including more qualifying students and the recent increase in the special education age limit to 22. He emphasized that the bill is intended to ensure the state meets its funding commitment and avoid shifting costs to towns.
Members asked about how the bill interacts with House Bill 742 and House Bill 773, including whether the language should be merged or whether the state should fund 100% versus an 80% floor. Lang said he was open to improving the bill and to adding a study committee or performance audit on special education costs, but maintained that the state should not push costs to local taxpayers when it has available funds. The hearing on SB 292 was then closed, with no vote taken.
The committee then opened Senate Bill 98, which would extend for five more years a tax credit program for donations to regional career and technical education centers. Senator Waters said the program has been successful in building partnerships between CTE centers and employers, especially through equipment donations that support training and apprenticeships. He cited examples including automotive, marine trades, and advanced manufacturing programs, and said the five-year extension would let lawmakers continue to review whether the incentive is working as intended.
Several members questioned whether the credit is effectively a 100% subsidy and how the cap works. Waters and another member explained that the underlying program has an aggregate cap of $500,000 and that credits are prorated if requests exceed that amount; they also said the donations are primarily equipment, not cash. Some members raised concerns about whether businesses could also claim other tax deductions or credits, but the sponsor said the existing structure has been in place for years and has been revisited periodically. No vote was taken during the hearing excerpt provided.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- I realize that if they're in private school, it's easier, right?
- And then you're going to work with the schools, is that correct, to get this out to as many schools as
- So they currently have about 70 schools that are in the program this year.
- And then you're going to work with the schools, is that correct, to get this out to as many schools as
- And so we'll give those funds to the schools that have been selected.
Summary:
The committee met to consider a series of appropriation, reserve transfer, and grant requests. Early items included temporary appropriations for the Department of Education’s Educational Freedom Account program ($32 million), the State Crime Lab ($476,000), and DFA Assessment Coordination ($90,000), along with a $1 ARPA return from the Department of Health. The committee approved these items after brief questions, including a discussion about contract cost increases at Assessment Coordination and a clarification that the $1 ARPA item was simply an unused-funds return.
The most extensive discussion centered on the Department of Education’s EFA funding. Members questioned the growth in participation, the use of one-time funds and restricted reserves, and safeguards against fraud or improper purchases. Agency officials said about 44,000 students were being funded, that purchases are reviewed and flagged for unusual activity, and that homeschool students are not required to buy a curriculum so long as purchases are eligible and approved. The committee approved the EFA appropriation and related reserve transfer, and officials said the governor’s proposed budget would include the program in the RSA going forward.
The committee also approved a DHS reallocation request and reviewed a building authority loan for a data center power supply replacement. In the federal grant section, members discussed a Department of Agriculture request for Central Arkansas Water to acquire land in the Maumelle watershed. Debate focused on the environmental benefits versus local property-tax and development concerns in Perry County, with testimony from the agency, Central Arkansas Water, and Potlatch about watershed protection, public access, and potential development impacts. After extended discussion, the committee adopted a motion to defer the item to the full Legislative Council and asked the department to remove the Perry County portion from the request, limiting the grant-funded purchase to Pulaski County property. The committee then reviewed remaining items, including a Veterans Affairs pay-plan appropriation, and adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE, HRE Public Hearings 04-17-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- My wife is a retired elementary teacher.
- She and is a retired elementary teacher.
- I am a graduate of Campbell High School, class of 1988.
- I went to elementary school in Wahiawa at a small church school from third grade to 8th grade.
- I went to elementary school in Wahiawa at a small church school from third grade to 8th grade.
Summary:
The committee first heard HCR 96, which encourages the University of Hawaiʻi to evaluate and expand student mental health services. University of Hawaiʻi Associate Vice President Farah Marie Gomes testified in support and noted the system’s mental health and basic-needs efforts across all 10 campuses. Members discussed staffing and funding constraints, including that the system had 27 adult mental health positions, 21 filled and six vacant, with one vacancy open for about four years. The resolution was adopted unanimously, unamended.
The committee then took up several gubernatorial appointments. GM 785 nominated Wendo Hensel to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), and GM 784 nominated Terry George to the same body. Both nominees testified about the value of Hawaiʻi’s participation in WICHE; Hensel emphasized the importance of sharing policy ideas and best practices, while George highlighted Hawaiʻi’s unique higher education needs and the benefits of learning from other western states. Both nominations were supported and moved forward.
The committee also considered multiple appointments to the Hawaiʻi Commission for National and Community Service. Kylie Alakard described wanting to serve as a youth voice and role model, and Ray Galas spoke about his prior volunteer board experience and desire to help people connect through service. Sandra Larson said volunteerism and community service were important to her and that she wanted to give back. The committee then heard GM 771 and GM 772 for Ken Kawahara to the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi; Kawahara said he would bring business and government experience to help with internal operations, education, and strategic goals, though he acknowledged he was still learning the organization’s details. Members also began hearing GM 624 for Joshua Famuina to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents, with student caucus testimony in strong support emphasizing his attendance, communication, and engagement with students.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 894 relates to private elementary and secondary schools, student codes of conduct, and policies
- HB 894 is the bullying in private schools bill, putting regulations in place in our private schools.
- driver, another student at the school who was driving 80 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone.
- A pedestrian in a crosswalk, a child walking home from school, a neighbor crossing the street in their
- division and any school board policies governing such use.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Three - Tuesday, May 5th
Missouri House Floor Meeting
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education (2-5-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- Today I'm coming to you as hopefully principal of Elementary School in Jackson County.
- you as hopefully principal of Elementary you as hopefully principal of Elementary School<00:13:28.600
- It's outside of school.
- It's outside of school.
- It's outside of school.
Keywords:
The previous live stream for this committee experienced a technical issue. This is the complete meeting recording recovered from backups., 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 44, “Landon’s Law,” sponsored by Rep. Candy Massaroni. The bill would allow schools to keep anti-choking devices such as LifeVac on hand while limiting liability. Testimony from Equal First Aid and LifeVac emphasized that choking is a leading cause of death for children, that the devices are noninvasive and FDA-registered, and that updated Red Cross guidance allows their use when standard rescue protocols fail or are not feasible. Lauren McCubbins, Landon McCubbin’s mother, gave emotional testimony about her 8-year-old son’s death from choking at school and urged the committee to give schools an added rescue option. Members asked questions about how the device works, whether the Heimlich maneuver remains part of the protocol, and whether the bill is limited to LifeVac or applies to similar devices. The bill was reported favorably, with a roll call vote showing unanimous support from members present.
The committee then heard a bill sponsored by Rep. J. Baker aimed at reducing administrative burdens in schools and supporting teacher recruitment and retention. The measure would lengthen the required evaluation cycle for tenured teachers from every three years to every five years, provide teachers a copy of their employment contract upon request, streamline professional development provisions, update continuous school improvement plan filing requirements, restore schools’ ability to use Title II funds for certain programs after an unintended consequence of prior legislation, and require KDE to review reporting requirements and eliminate those not required by law. Rep. Baker said the bill was developed with teachers and administrators through a working group and is intended to reduce “check-the-box” tasks so educators can focus on instruction. Amanda Butler of Spencer County Schools and other educators testified that the changes would save time, preserve funding for mentor and induction programs, and reduce repetitive paperwork. Rep. Fleming asked for clarification on the longer evaluation cycle, and an educator witness explained that each evaluation involves pre-observation, observation, and post-observation time and that districts would still retain flexibility to evaluate more often if needed. No final vote on this bill was included in the transcript excerpt.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- high school.
- And even when he was in elementary school, he was super raiders, and I used to be an education head for
- And even when he was in elementary school, he was super raiders, and I used to be an education head for
- And even when he was in elementary school, he was super raiders, and I used to be an education head for
- of Kahuku High School.
Summary:
The committee hearing covered three judicial confirmations for the First Circuit family court. The first nominee, Maria F. Penn, was introduced for confirmation to a six-year term as a district family court judge. Testimony from family law attorneys and the Hawaii State Bar Association was strongly supportive, emphasizing her courtroom demeanor, preparation, knowledge of family law, respect for litigants and counsel, and ability to manage emotionally difficult family court matters. Judge Penn also spoke about her background, including her legal career, prior service as a PDM family court judge, and her view that family court requires both legal judgment and empathy. The chair noted that the committee would not vote that day and would take up votes the next morning.
The second nomination was Wilson Aunga for a district family court judgeship. Supporters described his character, community involvement, and suitability for family court, including testimony from the Honolulu prosecutor, longtime friends, classmates, community members, and others. Speakers highlighted his work with youth, his leadership in the prosecutor’s office, his calm and impartial temperament, and his commitment to education and public service. The chair reported 105 supporters, no opposition, and one comment from the Hawaii State Bar Association. Additional testimony continued from members of the public, including a speaker discussing mental health and personal support for Aunga.
Throughout the hearing, the chair enforced a two-minute limit on oral testimony and explained that the committee was short on time and would recess as needed. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair announced that voting would occur the following day in the same room.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So the Texas Education Agency shall develop and provide to each public elementary and secondary school
- Speaker, members, all this amendment does is that before a public elementary or secondary school may
- A public elementary or secondary school may display a poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in
- If your elementary school child walked up to you and said, 'Mom or dad, what is adultery?'
- These rights may not be infringed on by any public elementary or secondary school or state governmental
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, heard an invocation and pledges, and approved several routine motions, including excuses for absent members, permission for committees to meet while the House was in session, and postponements of some bills. The chamber also received a Senate message listing measures passed by the Senate and adopted a memorial resolution honoring the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, with remarks entered into the House Journal after a moment of silence.
The House then took up a long third-reading calendar and passed a series of Senate bills on topics including criminal justice and corrections sunset provisions (SB 2405, 2406, 2407), election equipment testing (SB 2166), electric grid reliability and attack-preparedness exercises (SB 2148), firefighter collective bargaining (SB 777), DFPS and foster care procedures (SB 1141 and SB 1398), Medicare durable medical equipment billing (SB 1330), property tax administration (SB 1453), probate cleanup and record transfers (SB 1448 and SB 1839), mental health filing procedures (SB 53), school residency for children in safety placements (SB 226), diabetes-related amputation study (SB 1677), rapid DNA analysis (SB 1723), utility rate transparency and capacity cost recovery (SB 1664 and SB 1856), community supervision eligibility (SB 552 postponed), and other measures. Several bills passed with broad support, while others drew notable opposition and narrower margins, including SB 777, SB 2137, SB 2111, SB 1677, SB 1936, SB 1453, and SB 38.
Two bills drew especially extensive debate. SB 2148, dealing with electricity supply chain reliability and tabletop exercises for critical facilities, was discussed as a grid-security measure aimed at coordinating utilities, law enforcement, ERCOT, and the PUC in the event of physical attacks; it passed unanimously. SB 1936, changing how LSD is measured for criminal prosecution from dosage-based to weight-based calculations, prompted extended discussion about lab consistency, carrier mediums, and fairness in charging, with supporters saying it would help crime labs and law enforcement and opponents warning it could distort penalties depending on the medium used; it passed 108-26. The House also passed SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, after questions about overlap with TDEM and the cost of adding personnel.
Late in the day, the House debated SB 38 on eviction procedures, with supporters saying it targeted squatters and streamlined removal of unauthorized occupants, and opponents arguing it would make evictions too easy and worsen homelessness; it passed 85-44. The chamber also began debate on SB 37, a major higher-education governance bill that would expand governing-board oversight of curriculum, hiring, and faculty senates; members raised concerns about academic freedom, faculty governance, and the impact on humanities programs, and debate was still underway at the end of the transcript.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ACT 310, SLH 2025 Nonprofit Grants Program Info Briefing - Thu Oct 30, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Elementary School-based program, recalls her Littles Rolando and Aiden so fondly and experienced a chicken
- <00:35:46.800>
Alawawaii <00:35:47.359>Elementary Eilani school Alawawaii Elementary - Eilani school Alawawaii Elementary Schoolbased<00:35:48.400>
program <00:35:48.720>recalls - We launched an aggressive campaign to be on every public elementary school campus this year.
- We're applying to sustain the community school coordinator position at Yi Elementary, a role that has
Summary:
This joint informational briefing on Act 310 grants and aid focused on organizations describing how federal funding cuts, Medicaid/SNAP changes, and related policy shifts are affecting their services and budgets. Committee members explained there would be no Q&A, testimony would be limited to one minute, and in-person participants would be heard before Zoom callers. Members repeatedly asked testifiers to identify the amount of federal funding lost or at risk.
Testimony came from a wide range of nonprofits and community providers, including Aloha Care, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Literacy, Hawaii Youth Symphony, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii, the Tsunami Museum, The Kohala Center, West Hawaii Community Health Center, West Hawaii Region Hospital Foundation, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, Dynamic Community Solutions, Feeding Hawaii Together, Girl Scouts of Hawaii, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Homana, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Most described reduced or threatened federal support and requested state funding to maintain services such as health care access, food security, disaster preparedness, literacy and digital inclusion, youth mentoring, arts education, housing, and climate or agricultural resilience.
Several speakers emphasized direct impacts on vulnerable populations, including kūpuna, low-income families, immigrants, homeless youth, and people with disabilities. Requests ranged from relatively small planning or program grants to multi-million-dollar stabilization asks, with some organizations citing specific losses such as reduced Medicaid or USDA funding, canceled EPA or FEMA support, or expiring federal grants. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- There's a property that used to be an old school building in Natchitoches Parish that's dilapidated.
- The school building in Natchitoches Parish is dilapidated and has become an eyesore for the community
- I'm the executive director of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- I'm the executive director of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- At some point, the school board stopped using that building and the reversionary clause At some point
Keywords:
fishing gear, Oyster Bayou, shrimping, regulation, marine resources, HB621, Act 658, renewable energy, recycling, decommissioning, wind energy, solar power, solar facilities, wind turbines, energy infrastructure, end-of-life disposal, universal waste, recyclable materials, waste reduction, Department of Environmental Quality
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS PRESENTLY ONLY OFFER NONCOLLEGE CREDIT WHILE THEY ARE AUTHORIZED TO OFFER ONSITE
- THERE IS A DIVERSITY OF PROGRAM OFFERINGS AT EACH OF THOSE 56 SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
- MOST OF WHICH COMES FROM THE 34 MILLION SCHOOL DISTRICTS FROM SECONDARY.
- THIS IS NOT A FUNCTION OF HOW THE APPROPRIATION IS ALLOCATED TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.
- SO EVERYONE HAS A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED IF YOU WANT TO DO COLLEGE CREDIT IS GRANT ACCESS.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Families and Children.(2-17-26)
Families & Children
Transcript Highlights:
- Today I have with me a junior legislator in the making, a sophomore in high school, Grace From, my youngest
- Today I have with me a junior legislator in the making, a sophomore in high school, Grace From, my youngest
- tool to build curriculum for the schools tool to build curriculum for the schools and<00:09:50.959
- Um, number one, you know, I come from an early elementary background myself as a former elementary principal
- Um, number one, you know, I come from an early elementary background myself as a former elementary principal
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Families and Children met and heard presentation of Senate Bill 191, a pilot proposal to create the Kentucky Kindergarten Readiness Performance-based Child Care Incentive Program. Senator Danny Carroll explained that the three-year pilot, to be developed with the University of Kentucky College of Education, would reward child care providers or families with a $2,000 payment when a child is found kindergarten-ready, with the award tied to the prior two years of care. He said the program would include child care centers, child care homes, and eligible low-income families, with added supports such as home-visiting resources and curriculum assistance, and would also automatically fund providers caring for children with special needs who cannot be assessed in the same way.
Members asked about logistics, eligibility, diversity, and cost. Senator Meredith asked how parents would participate and how many children might be included; Carroll said UK would help define the details and that the pilot would likely use about $2 million in available funds, with a broad enough sample to produce meaningful data. Senator Thomas raised concerns about direct payments to parents and the fiscal implications of scaling the idea; Carroll responded that the pilot would only test the concept, that public pre-K and Head Start would not be included, and that the program would target families eligible for child care assistance. He estimated the broader annual cost, if expanded statewide, could eventually be much higher, but argued the educational and workforce benefits would outweigh the expense.
Senator Thomas also asked whether the bill’s reference to diverse providers meant geographic, racial, language, and socioeconomic diversity, and Carroll said that was the intent, with UK given latitude to structure the sample and assessment tool. Another senator supported the bill as a step toward universal pre-K and emphasized that learning begins at birth. The discussion ended with a motion and second on the bill, followed by a roll call vote, but the transcript cuts off before the vote result is stated.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 14, February 25, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In the district where I worked, we actually had additional days because of the elementary school and
- <01:24:30.960>
school <01:24:31.280>and because of uh the elementary school and because - of uh the elementary school and the<01:24:31.679>
buses. - of their school day away from the school of their school day away from the school district<01:33
- school school for for for less. less. less.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Mar 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- He lives right next to McCurdy Heights School, although I went to the good school, Española Valley High
- I have met the smartest group of elementary school students since I've been here for four years.
- school in Espanola.
- by students in public schools.
- devices by students in public schools.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 24th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This year's winners are Amanda Chen, who is in ninth grade from Mission San Jose High School.
- School; Sheehan Yann, who is in seventh grade from Piedmont Middle School; Helen Jang, who is in sixth
- grade from Valley Christian School; Elaine Kim, who is in fourth grade from Ruskin Elementary School
- ; and Mia Jang, who is in first grade from Leila Bringhurst Elementary School.
- Northridge Community School is a shining example of how education can thrive through collaboration.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer honoring Pope Francis, and then proceeded through routine motions, guest introductions, and floor business. Members welcomed several groups, including youth art contest winners, local city officials for Cal Cities Week, emergency dispatchers and 9-1-1 youth heroes, a school group from Northridge Community School, and Sheriff Michael Johnson. The body also handled procedural actions such as re-referring bills, withdrawing AB 16 from Appropriations because it was no longer fiscal, and allowing committees to notice bills pending re-referral.
On the floor, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 44, proclaiming April 20–26 as California Cities Week, was adopted by voice vote after opening the roll for co-authors. The Assembly then passed several bills, including AB 793 on dog dangerousness proceedings and AB 533 reauthorizing health care districts’ use of design-build for health facility construction, both by unanimous roll call. AB 764, which would add mute swans to the list of exotic non-game birds that can be legally managed, also passed unanimously. House Resolution 32, recognizing Cambodian Genocide Memorial Week, drew extensive remarks from multiple members about the historical tragedy and the Cambodian American community; it was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added, followed by a moment of silence.
The consent calendar was then taken up and adopted 69-0, including AB 369 and a series of other bills and resolutions. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Officer Paul Philip Jordan, a longtime LAPD officer who served the Hollywood community, and the House adjourned until Monday, April 28 at 1 p.m.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- I realize that if they're in private school, it's easy...” To a child that is homeschooled.
- I realize that if they're in private school, it's easier, right?
- And then you're going to work with the schools, is that correct, to get this out to as many schools as
- So they currently have about 70 schools that are in the program this year.
- And so we'll give those funds to the schools that have been selected.
Summary:
The committee met to consider a series of temporary appropriation requests, reserve fund transfers, federal grant appropriations, and review items. Early items included a $32 million appropriation and matching reserve transfer for the Department of Education’s educational freedom account program, a $476,000 request for the State Crime Lab, and a $90,000 assessment coordination request from DFA. Members asked questions about the assessment contract costs, and the item was approved. The committee also approved a $1 ARPA return to the CDC and a Department of Human Services reallocation package that moved general revenue and positions among divisions to meet client needs.
The most extensive discussion centered on a $32 million restricted reserve transfer for the educational freedom account program. Members questioned the growing number of participating students, the program’s long-term funding needs, and safeguards against improper purchases. Agency representatives said about 44,000 students were being funded, that reimbursements and marketplace purchases are reviewed, and that reporting and audit controls are in place, though not every instance of fraud can be prevented. The committee approved the transfer after discussion. Members also approved smaller cash and federal grant items, including funding for a teacher shortage data dashboard, All Kids Bike grants, crime lab outsourcing, veterans cemetery operations, and a podiatric medicine licensing investigation fund.
The most contentious item was a $7 million federal Forest Legacy grant request for Central Arkansas Water and the Department of Agriculture to acquire land in the Maumelle watershed, including acreage in Perry County and Pulaski County. Members debated water quality, development pressure, property tax impacts, local support, and whether Perry County had been adequately consulted. Agency and company representatives argued the acquisition would protect drinking water, preserve forested watershed land, and support recreation, while some legislators emphasized the county’s tax and development concerns. Senator Davis moved to defer the item to the full Legislative Council and to request removal of the Perry County portion; that motion passed. The committee then reviewed the remaining items, including a Veterans Affairs pay plan request, and adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Cloud Area Schools.
- It's even at, like, elementary school, right?
- It's even at, like, elementary school, right?
- It's even at, like, elementary school, right?
- It's even at, like, elementary school, right?
Summary:
The committee did not get to the planned testimony on attendance and excessive unexcused absences, but instead heard from Minnesota’s Superintendent of the Year and Teacher of the Year. The chair opened by noting the committee was short on time, introduced the idea of hearing from the two award recipients, and briefly referenced a question he likes to ask students about what book every high school student should read. Superintendent Putnam of St. Cloud Area Schools then testified about the superintendent-of-the-year selection process, his district’s work, and the community context in St. Cloud.
Putnam described the award as a community honor and said his leadership is guided by authenticity, transparency, and hope. He highlighted district efforts to improve attendance and enrollment, expand community engagement, create family advocate and inclusive decision-making structures, and support students through partnerships and wraparound services. He also discussed district demographics and needs, including food insecurity, IEPs, multilingual services, and homelessness, and noted initiatives such as preschool partnerships, an ambulance bay, school safety improvements, and two full-service community schools funded in part by a federal grant. In response to member questions, he said PSO enrollment had not been a major issue in St. Cloud, explained that student jobs and responsibilities help improve attendance and engagement, and urged lawmakers to be curious and avoid assumptions about public schools.
The committee then heard from Tracy Bird, Minnesota’s 2024 Teacher of the Year and a ninth-grade English teacher at Minneapolis Washburn. Bird shared his personal path into teaching, including earlier school struggles, work in finance, and encouragement from a principal who saw his potential. He described the nomination and selection process for Teacher of the Year and said his classroom is shaped by student energy, high expectations, and the realities of a diverse school community with both high mobility and affluent students. He emphasized that students are more engaged when they feel part of something larger than themselves and said his district’s work includes giving students meaningful jobs and responsibilities. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Technology and Telecommunications 2ND REVISED Apr 16th, 2026 at 08:45 am
Technology and Telecommunications
Transcript Highlights:
- But I did hold an interim study on screen usage for our youngest, and we're in elementary school.
- I think it's Welsh Public Schools is moving from 1 to 1, so it's happening.
- We have a technology screen time problem in our schools.
- I just wanted my local schools to solve the problem because they're an elected school board.
- But I am concerned about just, I mean, knowing that the inner workings of an elementary school, particularly
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, education reform, innovation, funding, advisory council, broadband, Oklahoma Broadband Office, broadband access, statewide broadband plan, internet connectivity, grant programs, expansion council, termination plan, Oklahoma, Gas Hub, national laboratory, public-private partnerships, aerospace, high-performance computing, economic development
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Education Policy Committee Jan 28th, 2026
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I am a former elementary school teacher, and I just want to, I'm speaking from experience. >> And I'm
- I am a former elementary<00:25:23.279>
school <00:25:23.520>teacher <00:25:24.000>and - <00:25:24.240>
and <00:25:24.480>I <00:25:24.720>just elementary school teacher - and and I just elementary school teacher and and I just want<00:25:24.960>
to <00:25:25.120>- . school. school.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- School deaths until the High School School deaths until the High School Association<00:21:11.760
- care facilities, Head Start programs, preschools, kindergartens, elementary or secondary schools, public
- public<00:25:56.880>
or Elementary or secondary school public or Elementary or secondary school - <00:28:32.760>
of school of uh the Jan aurn School of school of uh the Jan aurn School of - in school health.
Summary:
The House Committee on Health heard testimony on several measures. On HB 1233 relating to storm water management, the Attorney General’s office said the state may need to share costs with counties for any new inspection or regulatory program. Testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and a community member who described her daughter’s death in a poorly maintained detention pond and urged statewide inspections and a comprehensive approach. A member asked the Attorney General about the cost-sharing issue, and the office said state appropriations would be needed if counties are required to take on new duties.
The committee then heard HB 245 on student heat exposure safety. The Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure. A physician testifying for the Climate Change and Health Working Group described children’s vulnerability to heat and cited examples from other states that adopted stronger heat guidelines after school heat deaths. The Department of Education said it could do the feasibility study without additional funding and preferred to wait for the study before deciding on equipment needs. The Attorney General’s office later testified on HB 903, authorizing schools to maintain bronchodilators, supporting the concept but warning that the bill’s definition of school was broad and that DOE may not have jurisdiction over all covered entities; it suggested changing “protocol” to “guidelines” and involving the Public Charter School Commission.
On HB 1314 relating to youth mental health, the Department of Education testified in opposition, though no additional testimony was offered. The committee also heard HB 1334 on meat donation, with DLNR and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supporting the measure. HB 799 on health care drew support from HMSA and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, while the Department of Health said it supported the intent but wanted amendments, including limiting the bill to Maui, adding a sunset, and requiring a study of quality and access impacts. On HB 952 relating to Parkinson’s disease research, the Department of Health said the proposal would require additional appropriations and staffing and suggested a public-private partnership approach; the Hawaii Parkinson Association, Queen’s clinicians, and other supporters testified that a registry would help identify the number of patients and improve care. Finally, SHPDA strongly supported HB 1431 establishing an oral health task force, saying the state lacks sufficient dental oversight and that both keiki and kūpuna need better access to services.