Transcript Highlights:

• Michael Ogas, Superintendent, School of Dreams Academy.
• So we would probably, I want to ask the superintendent how many seatings you have.
• Chair, while John is working on the calculation, I appreciate that, Superintendent.
• I see our superintendent, Brian Left, back there.
• Chair, I don't know if Superintendent Luck would like to say anything since he's here.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I have a question about the superintendent.
• superintendent.
• And it's important to have a what did the superintendent do?
• So I designated each location to have an assistant superintendent.
• They just have multiple campuses, but still only one superintendent.

Bills: HB163, HB 296

Keywords: judicial liability, personal bond, felony offenses, judges, criminal justice reform, voter registration, election procedures, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, Texas election law, residence address, precinct voting, county move, same-county move, Election Code, registrar, statement of residence, polling place, local elections

Transcript Highlights:

• we're going to be doing a superintendent we're going to be doing a superintendent webcast<00:25:
• The local superintendents advisory council, the superintendents advisory council, and you may be asking
• > superintendents advisory council, the superintendents advisory council, the superintendents
• uh established, whereas superintendent uh established, whereas superintendent advisory<00:45:43.720
• that's the business of a superintendent that's the business of a superintendent and<01:18:59.280

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:

• I have the superintendent and assistant superintendent from Bourbon County, and I have the superintendent
• <00:02:43.840> and I have the uh superintendent and I have the uh superintendent and assistant
• superintendent from Bourbon assistant superintendent from Bourbon County<00:02:45.840> and<00
• County and I have the superintendent County and I have the superintendent from<00:02:47.200>
• 00:03:02.879> Logan superintendent from over in Logan superintendent from over in Logan County

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:03 Bills for Consideration: 3:10 Adjournment: 56:19, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard House Bill 1, which would have Kentucky opt into a federal education freedom tax credit program allowing donations to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) for K-12 educational expenses. The bill sponsors said it would not use Kentucky general funds, would be administered through the Secretary of State, and would let donors claim up to a $1,700 federal tax credit for contributions to SGOs. They argued the program could support public, private, religious, and homeschool-related educational needs, including tutoring, transportation, technology, special needs services, and other school expenses. Several senators raised concerns about whether the bill would favor larger districts with more school-choice options over rural counties with only one public school, creating a two-tier system. The sponsors responded that public school districts could also create SGOs and that the federal rules limit eligibility to families at or below 300% of area median gross income. They also said the program would not reduce existing state or federal school funding, but would instead redirect federal tax credit dollars that Kentucky donors might otherwise send to other states or back to the federal government. Members asked about the structure and oversight of SGOs, including whether they must be nonprofits, how broad their missions could be, and whether funds could be earmarked for specific purposes. The sponsors said SGOs must be certified, serve at least two schools and 10 students, spend at least 90% of receipts on scholarships, and cannot be directed to a specific student, though they can be targeted to categories such as elementary students or special needs services. They also said homeschool families would need to organize through a co-op or existing approved SGO. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've really ramped up our inspections as superintendent stated.
• Um, Superintendent is correct.
• So thank you, Superintendent. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Thank you, Superintendent, thank you, gentlemen. Thank you, Mr. uh, Mr. Chairman.
• Thank you, Superintendent, Mr. Stevens.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a special guest today that I do want to Welcome our Superintendent of Public Instruction,
• Superintendent Yennel Fields, who is joining us today to watch the presentations.
• Superintendent. Thank you very much for being here.
• As a school superintendent, could I get them to serve me with group insurance?
• The career tech superintendents might not like this conversation.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• OK, and you got an answer from three of my superintendents which were on, but let me suggest a little
• In the last 42 months, we replaced 76 of the 89 superintendents in New Mexico.
• I think we might need to do it for superintendent. We have a group of people who, Mr.
• Chairman, that that might be part of a body along with perhaps some some retired superintendents that
• Thank you, and Superintendent, you can have 2 minutes too if you'd like.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a trend that we heard from our superintendents, specifically our large district superintendents
• I'm Superintendent of Kamau ISD.
• I've been a superintendent in this great state of Texas.
• Our interim superintendent, Mr.
• The superintendent in Belleville ISD gave some good examples.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the two years of evaluations, if those are satisfactory or better, the superintendent is then able
• This was the case of the previous example of the superintendent recommendation.
• recommendation. ...an additional area of certification using the superintendent recommendation.
• I'm Matt Davis, Superintendent of the Eldon School District, where I've been the superintendent for the
• I'm Matt Davis, Superintendent of the Eldon School District, where I've been the superintendent for the

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Superintendent. That's all I have on my list. Is there anyone else?
• Dino Chea, Director, Deputy Superintendent of Operations for the DOE.
• Du, CFO, on behalf of Superintendent Hayashi.
• person has to go to the superintendent person has to go to the superintendent can<00:52:54.920><
• I'm Heidi Armstrong, Deputy Superintendent, Department of Education.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education heard several Department of Education-related bills and received extensive testimony on school meals and veteran diplomas. HB 628 would restore authority for the Department of Education to issue high school diplomas to veterans whose schooling was interrupted by World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The superintendent testified in support, explaining the authority had sunset in 2020 and describing the measure as a way to recognize veterans. No opposition or questions were raised, and the bill was left without further action in the excerpt. The committee also heard HB 1074 and HB 110, both supported by the Department of Education and the School Facilities Authority. HB 1074 was described as a cleanup measure to clarify land-related language and make the statute more consistent across state agencies and DOE. HB 110 concerned benchmarking and the farm-to-school/local food effort; DOE and several supporters, including county councils, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the Hawaii Farmers Union, said the bill would help align metrics and support the 30% local food goal by 2030. Members questioned DOE about progress, and DOE said it was working on menus, procurement, and coordination with distributors and farmers. A Farm to School representative said the current bottleneck was poor communication with farmers and the need to bring them into planning earlier; DOE said it was still figuring out the process and that island-based procurement and separate RFPs were being explored. HB 328, relating to school meals and local resource food and plant-based options, drew the most testimony. DOE testified with comments, and the Attorney General’s office suggested revisions to clarify that the bill would apply to both DOE and charter schools, to separate public and private funds if donations or grants are accepted, and to add standards if nonprofit or private entities receive public money. Supporters included HSTA, the Hawaii Public Health Institute/Farm to School Network, Climate Protection Hawaii, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and numerous individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized healthier school meals, student-requested plant-based options, support for local farms, and the 30% by 2030 goal. Some testimony urged more local purchasing and raised concerns about decentralization, while DOE said it was considering island-based procurement and separate contracts to better support local producers. No votes were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m going to just move to Superintendent Brad Morgan, who’s with us virtually, I believe.
• Superintendent Morgan, are you there? I am. Can you hear me? Yes, we can. Please go ahead.
• Thank you, Superintendent Morgan.
• I'm the superintendent of schools for the Spenser-Eastfield Regional School District.
• Thank you, Superintendent, for your leadership and also of the Regional Schools Association.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education opened a hybrid public hearing on a large slate of bills related to school buildings, school finance, technology, data privacy, safety, and related education issues. Chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlined procedures for the hearing, including two-minute testimony limits and the plan to group similar bills together. Several bills drew no testimony and were closed without further discussion, while others drew extensive testimony from legislators, school officials, parents, advocates, and educators. A major theme was school safety and student well-being. Lori Al-Hadeth testified in support of bills on alert systems in public schools, describing the loss of her daughter in the Parkland shooting and urging adoption of Alyssa’s Law-style panic alert technology. Representative Gallagher and disability advocates also supported a bill authorizing, but not requiring, airway clearance devices in schools, arguing they could save lives in choking emergencies and provide an option for people who cannot use the Heimlich maneuver. Another bill on reducing cafeteria waste drew support from a legislator and a Lexington sustainability official, who said installing dishwashers during construction would reduce waste and long-term costs. Much of the hearing focused on Chapter 70 school funding and the inflation cap. Senator Pavel Payano, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Representative Senna, and multiple local officials and school committee members from Bridgewater, Chelsea, Groton-Dunstable, and other districts argued that the 4.5% cap on inflation adjustments has left schools underfunded during years of high inflation, forcing layoffs, larger class sizes, and cuts to programs and student supports. They urged bills to eliminate the cap, restore lost funding, increase the Commonwealth’s share of the foundation budget, or create commissions to study reforms. Testimony also highlighted the impact on special education, English learners, and low-income students, with Chelsea witnesses saying the cap has cost their district about $7 million annually. School construction and MSBA reform were the other major topic. AIA Massachusetts, Boston Public Schools, Lynn officials, and AFT Massachusetts described aging facilities, overcrowding, deferred maintenance, and the difficulty of financing new schools under current reimbursement rules. Boston officials said the district has many pre-World War II buildings and has only built a handful of new schools in decades, while Lynn leaders said reimbursement rates have fallen well below the statutory 80% because of caps and ineligible costs. Witnesses urged modernization of the MSBA program, higher reimbursement rates, and more resources for school construction. The committee also heard support for a bill to study the adequacy and equity of the school building program, and chairs indicated some bills would be closed after no one signed up to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm the Assistant Superintendent<00:38:20.200> of<00:38:20.480> the<00:38:20.640>
• Superintendent of the Office of Student Support<00:38:21.760> Services.
• Training materials... including Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Student Support Services and
• including Assistant Superintendent including Assistant Superintendent for<00:39:39.680> the
• <00:47:13.520> of<00:47:13.640> the the assistant superintendent of the the assistant

Bills: SB2479, SB2557, SB2861, SB3204, SB3324, SB3325

Keywords: criminal procedure, family violence, dating violence, child abuse, evidence admissibility, reduced sentencing, homelessness, reporting requirements, statewide office, housing solutions, kauhale projects, public oversight, SB2861, Hawaii, Office of Wellness and Resilience, OWR, Department of Human Services, DHS, Kakou Pilot Program, Kakou

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to criminal procedure, homelessness, family resilience, Medicaid-funded services, and school Medicaid reimbursement. On SB 2479 SD2, the Judiciary testified in neutral opposition with concerns that the bill could require imprisonment even for probation-eligible defendants, expand sentence reconsideration in ways that could undermine finality for victims, conflict with existing sentencing statutes, and require additional judicial resources. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill’s intent but asked for language changes so people serving sentences could raise the new evidence in Rule 40 petitions and so probation would remain available in appropriate felony cases. Written testimony also included opposition from several county prosecutors and police, and support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The chair later deferred SB 2479 SD2, citing unintended consequences and problems with the bill. For SB 2557 SD1, which would require annual reporting by the State Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, the office said it supported the intent but noted it already produces annual and quarterly reports, that some requested data is already available, and that staffing and cost constraints could make the new reporting burdensome. The State Council on Mental Health supported the measure and suggested narrowing the reporting language to data on individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring behavioral health conditions, to the extent practicable and in collaboration with relevant agencies. A committee member asked about the availability of point-in-time count data, and the office explained that some figures may not be available every year and may need to be generated through HMIS. Dr. Jack Lewin testified in support, saying the data would be useful for understanding health care costs. The committee passed SB 2557 SD1 with amendments, including a deferral of the effective date. The committee also heard SB 2861 SD2 and SB 3204 SD1, both family resilience pilot program measures. For SB 2861 SD2, the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS supported the bill but requested amendments to clarify that the office’s role is planning and advisory, that DHS is a key partner, and that federal compliance safeguards are included. The chair raised concerns about overlap with DHS’s existing Ka Ohana program and asked for language to avoid redundancy while allowing the bill to cover other at-risk children; decision-making was deferred to the next hearing. For SB 3204 SD1, which would create a peer-navigator-based family resilience pilot, the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS supported the measure, with the office requesting a two-year pilot period, and both agencies and several advocacy groups submitted support. The committee discussed funding, the proposed five peer navigators, and whether the pilot should be limited to one or two geographic areas; no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard and supported SB 3324 SD1 on Medicaid home and community-based services, with the Department of Health emphasizing caregiver shortages and the cost-effectiveness of community care, and SB 3325 SD1 HD1 on public school Medicaid reimbursement, where DOE and the Attorney General requested clarifying amendments to reporting language and position titles.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it came from the Superintendents Association. So that amendment is here before us now.
• This is the amendment from the Superintendents Association. Senator Albritton. Hi. Senator Butler.
• But first of all, I've had numerous complaints from superintendents.
• numerous complaints from superintendent. numerous complaints from superintendent.
• <00:35:18.160> are and some of these superintendents are and some of these superintendents

Bills: HB125, HB116, HB183, HB342, HB341, SB280, SB245, SB159, HB125, HB116, HB183, HB342, HB341, SB280, SB245, SB159

Keywords: HB125, sunset law, Alabama Sunset Committee, Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, veterinary medical examiners, veterinary board, veterinary licensing, veterinary regulation, professional licensing board, state board continuation, sunset review, regulatory board, animal health, veterinarians, disciplinary authority, HB116, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset bill, Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board, bail bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, for his introduction. This informational session.
• I'm the superintendent of the Quincy Public Schools.
• Aaron Perkins, Assistant Superintendent of Schools.
• Thank you, Superintendent Bobby.
• Superintendent, it's a fantastic program that you have here.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held an informational hearing at Quincy Public Schools focused on career and technical education (CTE). Committee members said the visit was intended to gather input for statewide CTE legislation, including efforts to expand awareness and access, improve middle school exposure, invest in equipment and facilities, and strengthen ties to workforce boards and labor pathways. Quincy officials described their CTE system as integrated with academics and highlighted support from district, city, and state partners. School leaders outlined Quincy’s CTE offerings, including 15 Chapter 74 programs at Quincy High School and four at North Quincy High School, with about 1,360 students enrolled. Presenters emphasized curriculum aligned to DESE frameworks, work-based learning, industry-recognized credentials, safety training, business electives, dual enrollment and articulation with Quincy College, and grant funding such as Skills Capital and Perkins. They also discussed support liaisons for nontraditional careers and military pathways, advisory committees, and plans to seek Chapter 74 approval for an engineering program at North Quincy, along with new computer science and business offerings. Testimony from MassHire South Shore described workforce partnerships, YouthWorks, job fairs, resume workshops, and the Credit for Life Fair, while the assistant superintendent explained Quincy’s MyCAP planning grant and efforts to build a student-driven college and career readiness system. Three students testified about their pathways in welding, early education and care, and healthcare technology, describing hands-on learning, certifications, clinical or co-op experiences, and future plans for college and careers. Committee members praised Quincy as a model for combining CTE with general education, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn and unanimous adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second permit superintendents to consider athletic directors and coaches, administrative personnel
• I'm going to move on because as long as they can teach, I hope that's what that principal superintendent
• So if the district decides superintendent decided to hire an individual has administrative personnel
• Is it the school board or the superintendent or is it the union through collective bargaining?
• the key provisions here is that we're giving him the option to be able to if they are, if the superintendent

Transcript Highlights:

• School boards were on there, superintendents were on there. superintendents were on there. superintendents
• Won't uh superintendent of education. Won't uh superintendent of education.
• you have somebody other superintendent you have somebody other superintendent well has my superintendent
• was my well has my superintendent was my well has my superintendent was my superintendent a part of
• So, when you say superintendent, I don't care what say superintendent, I don't care what say superintendent

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Superintendent. Superintendent.
• And finally, superintendents.
• And finally, superintendents.
• <01:54:08.320> You superintendent 2008. I was too. You superintendent 2008. I was too.
• made up of all of our superintendents. made up of all of our superintendents.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call – 0:00:04 Approval of Minutes – 0:03:57 United Way of Southern Kentucky –0:04:30 Preschool Education – 0:36:46 School Safety Updates – 1:01:41 Kentucky Association of School Superintendents – 1:41:47 Educational Cooperatives – 1:55:18 Adjournment – 2:07:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee opened its sixth meeting of the 2025 Interim Joint Committee on Education, confirmed a quorum, recorded attendance votes, and approved the minutes. Chair Lewis reminded presenters to keep remarks brief because of the full agenda and limited time. The first presentation was from United Way of Southern Kentucky, with Anne Puckett, Craig Browning, and Warren County Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton introducing a regional early childhood initiative. The presenters argued that kindergarten readiness and early childhood support are critical to later academic and life outcomes. They cited research and statistics about brain development in the first five years, the effects of unprepared kindergarten entry, and links between low literacy, school discipline, dropout rates, and incarceration. They said their region’s readiness scores fell during COVID and after a tornado, and that the most effective response was in-home parent education to help families support children from birth to age five. They described the model as voluntary, community-based, and not requiring new buildings, and said similar programs have been successful in Missouri. The group said it had already raised more than $1 million in private donations and committed three years of funding for four additional staff, expanding service in Allen, Logan, and Warren counties. They requested $600,000 per year for the next two-year budget cycle to add 12 more educators, serve about 360 families and 660 additional children, and build evidence for a possible statewide model. Members generally expressed support for the concept, with Representative Tipton and Representative Jackson discussing a prior home-based preschool pilot and the importance of starting early. Representative Calloway questioned whether increased family chaos and government involvement justified the approach; presenters responded that the program uses community educators, not a government-run organization, and is aimed at helping overwhelmed families. Representative Stalker asked about eligibility and early intervention, and presenters said the program serves children from birth to age five and can help identify needs early enough to connect families with services such as First Steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, we'll begin with the superintendent. Wow, okay.
• I am Christopher Mays, superintendent of Beatrice Mays Institute, and I am here for House Bill 2967.
• 2967 would transform how we identify and address vision issues in the schools, as mentioned by Superintendent
• You were a former superintendent in Katy, right? Yes, sir, I was.
• Superintendent, they named the Merrill Center after him. Oh, bless you. Thank you. Thank you, sir.

Bills: HB 1178, HB1411, HB1441, HB1773, HB1813, HB2107, HB2598, HB2911, HB2967, HB3672, HB5263, HB3797

Keywords: education, temporary certification, out-of-state educators, teacher shortage, military spouses, personal leave, school holidays, employee compensation, overtime provisions, school safety, peace officers, mental health, de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, student trustee, school board, student representation, education policy, nonvoting position, school governance

Transcript Highlights:

• uh jump right into the superintendent uh jump right into the superintendent who<00:01:37.520>
• with me I have uh um Superintendent with me I have uh um Superintendent Evans<00:03:05.200> to
• Uh superintendent. Thank you Mr. Evans. Uh superintendent.
• Thank you, Superintendent.
• Superintendent Evans. Senator that area? Superintendent Evans.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Donald has been the superintendent and CFO of West Harden CCISD. I'm testifying on the bill.
• Brandon Enos, proud superintendent. Lieutenant, Cushing ISD, East Texas.
• I serve as the superintendent for Cedars International Academy.
• I am the proud superintendent for Bartlett Independent School District.
• I've been the proud superintendent for six years.

Bills: HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, 1185, senate, all