Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, the goal of this bill is to ensure alignment between high school graduation requirements and
• high schools' restrooms.
• The Safe Haven Awareness in Schools Act, as she mentioned, of course, requires public high schools and
• pre-K programs, many stakeholders that when we're talking about school operated pre-K programs, that
• It exempts pre-K programs operated by non-public schools approved by BESE.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had 57 students actually earn associate degrees at the same time they completed their high school
• This is a program that our Dean for the School of Energy started.
• Depending upon the program in the School of Energy, CDL is our highest local employer program.
• I started as a junior in high school when I needed a summer job; it was my first job.
• Their curriculum is for preschool, but we also offer after-school programming as well as summer programming

Transcript Highlights:

• High School in 2022 graduated from Salem High School in 2022 snhu<00:09:55.959> last<00:09:56.160
• We had an alternative high school program for kids that weren't making it in the public schools.
• c> kids alternative high school program for kids alternative high school program for kids that<02
• <06:02:56.200> school Academy for their high school Academy for their high school education
• <06:38:12.040> high<06:38:12.160> school school and middle school and high school school

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Education Committee held its organizational meeting for the new term, with members introducing themselves and describing their backgrounds in teaching, school boards, special education, administration, law, and related fields. Chair Glenn Cordelli outlined the committee’s goals and procedures, emphasizing civility, professionalism, and respectful treatment of witnesses and members. He also noted that the committee has been split into two this year because of the large volume of bills, and said the committee had already sent three bills to the other education committee, with 36 bills currently assigned and more expected. The chair reviewed committee rules and logistics: hearings should start on time, members should minimize cell phone use and avoid searching during testimony, and questioning of witnesses is limited to one question at a time unless the chair allows a follow-up. Members were told to use the title “Representative,” to sign up on pink cards to testify, and to submit written testimony to the clerk. He also explained that hearings are for listening rather than debating, while executive sessions are where debate and motions occur. Possible motions include ought to pass, inexpedient to legislate, and retain in committee for further work, including subcommittees. Additional procedures covered scheduling, with the committee expected to meet Wednesday and Thursday the following week because of a holiday, and regular meetings generally planned for Monday and Wednesday. The chair also discussed the consent calendar, reports from majority and minority positions, and the expectation that members who testify on a bill should not then question other witnesses on that same bill. No legislation was voted on at this meeting; it was a procedural and orientation session for the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, even kindergarten is different than, you know, the high school ages.
• We lost families in the after-school program. What they would have to pay.
• And when kids do come to school, we need to guarantee they get a day of high-quality learning.
• They're less likely to graduate high school. They're more likely to drop out of school.
• And last... ...to graduate high school, they're more likely to drop out of school, and last week we heard

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee met in a workshop-style discussion with Arkansas Department of Education early childhood officials to review the state’s early learning programs, especially ABC and SRA/CCDF, and to consider long-term sustainability, access, and quality. Officials said ABC funding was flat at $11 million from 2009-2010 until a $3 million increase in 2018, while CCDF/SRA funding is about $137 million. They reported ABC serves about 23,000 children, SRA about 14,871, and the SRA wait list has grown to 2,971 children, with breakdowns by age provided during the meeting. They also said the current ABC per-child cost is about $5,105, compared with roughly $8,000 in K-12, and that a new market-rate/cost-of-care study is due because the last one was about three years ago. Members raised concerns about rural and urban access, provider deserts, school-based versus community-based slots, and whether the state should expand or rebalance funding to better support infant-toddler care and mixed delivery. Officials said they are working on identifying gaps, moving slots where possible, and using local leads and quality measures such as CLASS observations to improve kindergarten readiness. They also discussed the transition of federal pre-K funding ending at the end of June, with children either moving into ABC or requalifying for SRA, but without grandfathering beyond bypassing the wait list if already enrolled. A major topic was the impact of new co-pays and funding reductions on families and providers. Officials said the state had to make changes to preserve the programs, and that paying based on enrollment rather than allocated slots saved about $576,000. They also said eight providers cited funding as the reason for closing, while 26 new providers were added under the new rates. Members questioned dual enrollment in home visiting/HIPPY and ABC, and officials said about 1,200 children are dually enrolled, with a possible savings of about $2.4 million if that practice were limited, though members cautioned about unintended consequences for children with developmental needs. The meeting ended with agreement to continue regular updates and further work on simplifying and stabilizing the early childhood system.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now I'm going to break out rp and programs for says are are are in program.
• When we look at our current programs, I'm going to present the are in programs divided by program type
• , the ad and programs and the DS and programs statewide.
• But we were able to donate the ones we did have to our local school districts and other health care programs
• And this Mobil simulation lab has already traveled over. 2600 miles engage in 2700 high school students

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:48.760> Um are are high school students. Um are are high school students.
• just completing activities while in high just completing activities while in high school.
• school In fact, their post-high school In fact, their post-high school graduation<01:03:28.080
• middle middle and um high school middle middle and um high school students.<01:35:32.440> So<
• Really high school is where you also.

Keywords: 0:00:03 - Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:43 - Approval of October 14, 2025 and November 4, 2025 Minutes 0:01:15 - Acceptance of Office of Education Accountability Report: Analysis Of Student Discipline Data in Kentucky Schools 0:02:10 - Implementation Update on 26 RS HB 257 0:49:38 - Career and Technical Education in the Assessment and Accountability System 1:13:50 - Office of Education Accountability Annual Report 1:47:27 – Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Education Assessment & Accountability Review Subcommittee approved the minutes from its October 14 and November 4 meetings and also approved the Office of Education Accountability report analyzing student discipline data in Kentucky schools. The main presentation came from KDE Commissioner Dr. Robby Fletcher on implementation of House Bill 257, which he said has two major parts: selection of a statewide college entrance exam through a new procurement process, and development of locally designed indicators of quality for accountability. On the college exam, Fletcher explained that the state had to reopen procurement after Senate Bill 197, with the RFP released May 21, vendor questions handled through the Finance and Administration Cabinet, proposals due June 22, and scoring and review expected in July and August, with a vendor decision not likely until October. He emphasized that the exam is a norm-referenced college-readiness measure, not a test of Kentucky academic standards, which are assessed by the KSA. Members asked about the science requirement in statute, the possibility of multiple vendors or district choice, and whether the CLT could participate; Fletcher said vendors must address science in the RFP, multiple vendors could be possible, and any vendor could submit a proposal if it meets the rubric. He also noted that ACT and SAT differ in structure, that either can meet college-readiness benchmarks, and that there were no major complaints about the SAT during its first year of use. The second major topic was the locally developed indicators of quality under House Bill 257. Fletcher said these are intended to let districts measure themselves against their own goals rather than compare districts statewide, while still aligning with Kentucky standards. He described examples such as achievement, growth, student well-being, safety, fiscal responsibility, civics, internships, apprenticeships, project-based learning, and defenses of learning. He said districts may use local assessments such as MAP, STAR, and I-Ready alongside state data, and that local models should be developed with families, community members, and workforce partners. He added that KDE is providing technical assistance, has applied for a federal CGSA grant, and will use a one-time $15,000 cost offset for districts implementing local accountability models, with a superintendent webcast planned for August.

Transcript Highlights:

• Having high-quality, well-funded... ...public schools in each of our communities is no doubt one of the
• reimbursements, redesigning high schools through funding for early college and innovation pathways, early
• Shortly after graduation from high school, my mom gave birth to her first child, an incredibly adorable
• I want to say that Michael Hurley is celebrating his daughter's high school graduation.
• Michael Hurley is celebrating his daughter's high school graduation.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up a long series of FY26 budget amendments during debate on the Ways and Means budget bill. Early on, an amendment on debt service and the Debt Affordability Committee was rejected. A major education amendment offered by Senator Lewis and supported by Senator Comerford was then adopted; it directs DESE to begin a public process, with $200,000 in funding, to review and recommend updates to the Chapter 70 municipal contribution formula and related school funding structures as the Student Opportunity Act nears full implementation. Senators argued that school districts across the Commonwealth are under severe fiscal strain, citing rising special education, transportation, health insurance, and Proposition 2 1/2 pressures, and that the current formulas are increasingly out of alignment with local needs. The chamber also considered and voted on many other amendments, with several adopted and several rejected. Adopted amendments included measures on public payroll transparency, regional EMS, a small business group purchasing cooperative pilot, simplifying Medicaid eligibility determinations, and early education background checks. Rejected amendments included proposals on first-time homebuyer savings accounts, population change studies, competitiveness studies, emergency contract reform, natural gas cost containment, a $200 per pupil aid increase, regional school reimbursement increases, a Foundation Budget Review Commission-related study, special education service studies, welfare benefit audits, short-term capital gains, and an MBTA sustainability plan. Senator Durant also spoke in support of Amendment 766, which would create a crumbling concrete assistance fund for homeowners affected by pyrrhotite, with tax-exempt aid, federal funding applications, audits, and a stakeholder working group. Near the end of debate, Senator D. DiDomenico praised the Shannon Grant program for gang violence prevention, and the Senate adopted a final corrective amendment containing technical fixes and local earmarks. The bill was then ordered to a third reading and, after a roll call on engrossment, passed to be engrossed by a vote of 38-2. The Senate also approved a motion to adjourn to the following Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. and recessed in memory of Yaron Lashinsky, Sarah Lynn Milgram, and Leslie A. Feeney.

Transcript Highlights:

• lpccs one in every at least High School lpccs one in every at least High School uh<00:36:57.920>
• <00:59:29.599> school the course of of their uh high school the course of of their uh high
• /c> what to do after high school I know I what to do after high school I know I can't<00:59:38.799>
• high school but also as a team at our high school but also the<01:04:20.039> work<01:04:20.240
• [witness | Sydney Paris] I am a high school counselor at Stillwater Area High School, and I work with

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a 10th grader at Valley View High School in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and it is an honor to be here before
• I'm a 10th grader at Valley View High School in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and it is an honor to be here before
• So Johnny and James over here talked about the use of AI in high school, colleges, and how it can be
• Right now, I'm going to talk about mainly how it's used in high school.
• We need to teach them how to use it in high school. So let's see here.

Summary: The meeting opened with a report on annual solvency certification for institutions of higher education, which required no action and was to be distributed later. The main presentation focused on artificial intelligence in K-12 and higher education, delivered by students from Arkansas State University, the University of Central Arkansas, and Valley View High School. They argued that AI is becoming central to education and the workforce, especially as Arkansas adds major data center investments, and said students should be taught to use AI responsibly so they can compete for jobs, improve internships, and keep talent in-state. They also emphasized concerns about academic integrity, cybercrime, and the need for ethics training and district-level guidance. The presenters shared survey findings from educators in several Arkansas districts, saying most teachers support teaching responsible AI use, believe students without access to AI will be disadvantaged, and want training and district-level management. They described existing AI uses at Arkansas colleges, including AI tutors, AI-generated practice exams, homework feedback tools, and classroom applications in business, climate science, and urban forestry. They also proposed an AI library built on the state’s Access Act infrastructure so K-12 and college students could access shared AI tools and resources across Arkansas. Committee members asked about student attitudes, classroom concerns, and whether AI could help standardize course materials and objectives across institutions. The presenters said reactions among students are mixed, with arts students especially worried about copyright and originality, but that many recognize AI’s real-world value. A UCA representative added that faculty training, ethics discussions, and academic dishonesty guidance are already underway there. The chair thanked the students, noted their work on related research projects, and then moved to a second presentation from Pine Bluff community leaders. The Pine Bluff group described community-based school support efforts, including the Pastors on Patrol program, mentoring, anti-bullying and nonviolence training, drug and vaping education, leadership clubs, and a youth diversion effort for students at risk of detention. They said their work is aimed at improving school climate, encouraging citizenship and scholarship, and reducing negative behavior. Members praised the group’s efforts and asked about expanding the programs to other districts; the presenters said their model and curriculum can be shared and adapted. The meeting ended after the chair thanked both groups and adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I will start off with my guests from Bernalillo High School.
• If you can help me welcome Bernalillo High School, please. And, Mr.
• He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1952.
• He also began providing exclusive play-by-play on KYVA AM for the Gallup High School Athletics Program
• She is president of the Bloomfield School Board, a proud graduate of Bloomfield High School.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Research from the University of Florida's Lassenger Center shows that high school students disengage
• My brother failed plain geometry in high school twice. He could never pass it.
• Senate Bill 178, Athletics and Public Schools K-12, directs the Florida High School Athletic Association
• As someone who, when I was in high school at Blanche Ely High School, my high school coach took care
• Florida High School Athletic Association, Jessica, Jenna Sue Weeks, waves in support.

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K through 12 Committee met with a quorum and considered several education-related bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended with a technical clarification and reported favorably. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and align notice and parent-exemption procedures; it also passed favorably, with support noted from PTA and other witnesses. SB 920 on mathematics education was reported favorably after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, the end-of-course exam, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation, which would give districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degrees, also passed favorably with broad support from educators and former school board members. The committee then approved SPB 7022, which reenacts and extends a public records exemption for classroom examination and assessment instruments through 2031 and expands coverage to district school boards and public schools. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools was reported favorably after extensive debate about whether schools should be closed or could instead hold Veterans Day programs; supporters emphasized statewide consistency and honoring veterans, while some members raised scheduling and instructional-day concerns. SB 538 on physical education and extracurricular participation was amended to establish standardized eligibility rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, limit duplicate participation across schools, require annual participation in the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, and leave coach compensation to district discretion; it was then reported favorably. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools was amended to add a $15,000 annual cap on coach personal spending per team and was reported favorably after discussion about good-faith support for student-athletes, recruiting concerns, and the need for guardrails. A temporary postponement was announced for SB 430 on the oath of school personnel. At the end of the meeting, Senator Osgood recorded a favorable vote on SB 1036, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is Kahala High School student Senate politics. They're joining us today.
• <00:08:43.399> school<00:08:44.360> she at her Alma moer kaimaki high school she at
• Rory Inouye is currently a math teacher at WEA High School, having started at WEA Intermediate School
• High School last year, and I was pleased to be in attendance with the... masters of education program
• and<00:11:22.079> I honored by W high school last year and I honored by W high school last

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• NDI programs take place during the school day as part of the public school curriculum and are taught
• Romero is a senior at Robertson High School in Las Vegas.
• He is a senior at Hagerman High School.
• Pecos School District has one. In Santa Fe, Capitol High School and Edgewood have one.
• In Santa Fe, Capitol High School and Edgewood have one.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite these programs in our schools.
• <01:30:45.280> Our<01:30:45.679> Kle<01:30:46.320> program high need schools
• Our Kle program high need schools.
• highnee high schools here on Aahu. highnee high schools here on Aahu.
• their ability to graduate high school. their ability to graduate high school.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: This joint informational briefing focused on Act 310 grants and aid, with committee members hearing one-minute testimony from organizations first in person and then by Zoom. At the outset, the chairs explained there would be no Q&A during the briefing and asked testifiers to focus on how federal cuts were affecting their work. The meeting was organized by registration number and included both neighbor island and Oʻahu applicants. Testimony centered on organizations seeking state support to offset federal funding losses or anticipated reductions. Health and social service providers described impacts from Medicaid, SNAP, ACA subsidy, Title X, and other federal changes, including Aloha Care, Community Clinic of Maui, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, West Hawaiʻi Community Health Center, Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network, Alcoholic Rehabilitation Services of Hawaiʻi, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Other groups highlighted losses affecting food security, housing, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, including the Kohala Center, Feeding Hawaiʻi Together, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Dynamic Community Solutions, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Several arts, youth, and education organizations also testified, including Hawaiʻi Literacy, Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi, Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi, Kids Hurt Too Hawaiʻi, and US Vets, each requesting funding to preserve programs and staffing. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing. The only action was procedural: the chairs moved through the applicant list, limited testimony time, and then transitioned from neighbor island in-person testimony to Oʻahu and later Zoom participants.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I always talk about, I got to go to high school at St.
• And I always talk about, I got to go to high school at St.
• Catherine's Native American and to go to high school at St.
• So for public non-charter high schools, compliance is required by the 2026-2027 school year.
• It's great to have five devices at a high school.

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the 520 Native American Language and Culture certificate, created to let proficient tribal language and culture speakers teach in K-12 schools without a bachelor’s degree. LESC staff, PED, and HED described the certificate’s statutory basis, the role of tribes and pueblos in setting proficiency standards, and ongoing challenges such as uneven MOAs, limited professional development, rural access barriers, data gaps, and retention concerns. PED said oversight of 520 is moving from the licensure bureau to the Indian Education Division, and HED reported that the tribal education technical assistance centers authorized in 2023 are still in procurement but are expected to be awarded in early 2026. A student, Alonzo Hughes, testified about how learning Tewa from 520-certified teachers helped him understand his culture and speak with elders, and members praised the program’s role in language revitalization and asked about funding, teacher pathways, and whether similar models exist in other states. Committee members then discussed several PED rule updates. Staff reviewed an adopted rule implementing HB 54 on AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans, including staff training requirements and staggered compliance dates, and a proposed rule for school nurse licensure under HB 195 that would create a three-tier system and align nurse pay with teacher pay. They also reviewed proposed changes to the Community Schools Act rule, including a full-time community school coordinator requirement, updated grant language, and broader coalition membership criteria; PED said the broader language would not conflict with the Martinez-Yazzie work. A proposed bilingual teacher rule would standardize coursework requirements, add trans-languaging and culturally relevant curriculum competencies, and allow Native American language certification applicants to demonstrate proficiency using tribal standards. In questions, members raised concerns about AEDs being present at athletic events, the need for the amended school nurse bill to move experienced nurses directly into higher levels, and whether the community schools rule’s broader coalition language could affect current education litigation. Members also asked about funding for 520 programs, teacher residency or cohort models, and how to support advanced language instruction and sustainability. PED said the Indian Education Fund and school budgets can support some of the work, but additional strategic funding and cross-training are needed. The committee also heard that New Mexico’s 520 system is unusually robust compared with other states, and members encouraged staff to present the model at national conferences. The meeting ended with the director’s report, which noted a flat budget request of $2,024,300, staff turnover including Natasha Davalos’s departure, and appreciation for the committee’s work before adjournment for the holidays.

Transcript Highlights:

• > in<00:09:33.839> the school nutrition program officers in the school nutrition program
• alignment of college coursework to state high school standards.
• alignment of college coursework to state high school standards.
• high school standards.
• Graduation, a high school student would be expected to navigate a dispute between a college and a high

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• School Program, also known as PTEC.
• a course of study that combines high school and post-secondary courses.
• It enables students to earn a high school diploma along with an associate degree, Level 1 or Level 2
• school program to the post-secondary readiness distinction.
• Uh, our flagship school, Kingwood High School, which is probably 90% white, uh, was, was devastated and

Transcript Highlights:

• The next project is P23 002, Thoreau High School.
• High School and P 21 006 Navajo Pine.
• , Thoreau Elementary, and Crown Point High School.
• Excuse me, it's P 23 002 Gallup High School.
• And the requested is P 21 005 Crown Point High School.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, um, I know that right now with, like you said, COVID impacted our high school students and including
• our high school students that are graduating, so then that causes them to have to take remedial classes
• We have outstanding programs.
• school there.
• school by 2031.

Transcript Highlights:

• , our school lunch, and our school breakfast program.
• us to invest in high-quality foods more and more because of our robust Farm to School program.
• <00:36:37.000> program unique about our F to school program unique about our F to school program
• program the free School meals program a program the free School meals program a program which<01:
• shago Lakes High School says um free shago Lakes High School says um free school<01:27:23.400>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all