Transcript Highlights:

• And I see that our state superintendent is here.
• Welcome to the subcommittee, Superintendent Thurmond. Good morning.
• Superintendent, for your presentation.
• Yes, Superintendent, I really am excited to hear what you just said.
• Superintendent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Patel, you'd be eliminating a superintendent and an extra board.
• Unified, both as longtime CFO, as deputy superintendent, as interim superintendent, and also with the
• county superintendents.
• county superintendents.
• Derek Lennox, on behalf of the California County Superintendents.

Summary: The committee heard opening public comment and then took up several K-12 budget items in the Governor’s January proposal. On LCFF and necessary small schools, the Department of Finance described a 2.41% COLA, a roughly $2.2 billion increase for districts and charters, and a $30.7 million ongoing augmentation to raise necessary small schools funding by 20%. The LAO supported funding the COLA and said the small schools proposal had merit, but questioned the 20% figure and warned about a sharp funding cliff around the enrollment thresholds. Members and witnesses repeatedly raised declining enrollment, attendance, and the need to align funding with outcomes and local cost pressures. The chair and several members also asked whether consolidation, shared administration, or alternative formulas could better address small district costs, and the issue was left open for further discussion. The panel then discussed special education equalization. Finance proposed $509 million ongoing Proposition 98 funding to raise the statewide special education base rate to $999 per ADA, which would fully equalize SELPA base rates; the LAO said the same target could likely be reached with less money under current assumptions. CDE strongly supported equalization as an equity issue and said about 15% of students are identified with disabilities, with identification rising by roughly 20,000 to 25,000 students per year. Members raised concerns about staffing shortages, high caseloads, and the need to use any additional funds for inclusive practices, alternative diploma pathways, and the extraordinary cost pool. The committee also discussed whether the budget language should reflect the $509 million amount or the $999 rate, and the item was held open. For the Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant, Finance proposed restoring $757.3 million one-time to complete the program, while the LAO recommended approval because learning loss remains unresolved and districts have generally used the funds for tutoring, supplemental instruction, and other academic supports. CDE explained that LEAs must revisit their needs assessments and that many districts are using the funds alongside other support systems, but members pressed for clearer accountability and better data on how much money actually goes to tutoring or other direct services. The committee then reviewed the Student Support and Professional Development Discretionary Block Grant, with Finance proposing $2.8 billion one-time and the LAO saying discretionary funding can help districts address local priorities but should be paired with fiscal oversight and possibly more targeted priorities. Members split between supporting flexibility for local needs and worrying that the grant could be used to cover ongoing structural deficits without clear evidence of student-outcome gains; the issue was also held open. Finally, the committee heard a high-level overview of school facilities funding under Proposition 2, with Finance proposing to continue $1.5 billion in bond spending in 2026-27. OPSC said that at the current pace all Prop 2 K-12 funds would likely be exhausted around 2029-30, and that demand is shifting toward modernization as enrollment declines in many areas. Members asked about school closures, reuse of unused sites, and the new small school district facilities program, which OPSC said is moving toward proposed regulations and would begin accepting modernization applications in November 2026 and new construction applications in January 2027. The committee also briefly noted community college facilities funding and asked for more information later in the process.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is simply creating this fund and using some money that the superintendent pulled together.
• And he says, well, I take... ...my superintendent, and I said, so how are you paying for this?
• I appreciate the superintendent coming back this year.
• That's why I imagine the superintendent reprioritized those funds to this program.
• That's why I imagine the superintendent reprioritized those funds to this program.

Transcript Highlights:

• By the superintendent, other chief administrator, or designee of the school district, ESD, or Educational
• In Arlington, I met with the superintendent in the Arlington School District; they have more than one
• And so my bill says, hey, the school board needs to work with the school superintendent, work with the
• For the record, Misha Trinisky on behalf of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
• For the record, again, Misha Trinisky, on behalf of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Summary: The House Education Committee first heard House Bill 2246, which would update school discipline rules for firearm-related violations. Committee staff explained that the bill extends existing firearm expulsion and readmission provisions to charter schools, state tribal education compact schools, the School for the Blind, the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth, and educational service districts, and would allow governing boards to deny readmission or limit participation in activities after a firearm-related incident. Representative Lowe said the bill was prompted by a local incident and was intended to give districts more flexibility and clarity while still ensuring students continue receiving educational services. Committee members questioned how the bill interacts with constitutional rights to public education, whether it applies to imitation firearms or social media threats, and whether the school board or administration should make the initial discipline decision. OSPI testified “other,” noting concern about limiting appeals to one reconsideration and citing 48 firearm-related expulsions and 198 suspensions in 2023-24. Team Child testified in opposition, arguing the bill would make reentry harder and could unnecessarily exclude students from extracurriculars after they had served their discipline period. The public hearing on HB 2246 closed with 246 pro, 7 con, and 1 other signed in. The committee then heard House Bill 2360, which would allow public and private schools to maintain stock albuterol under a statewide standing order for use in asthma or other respiratory emergencies. Staff described the bill as authorizing trained school personnel or nurses to administer school-supplied albuterol in certain circumstances, including on school property, buses, and sanctioned excursions, with limited liability protections and a refusal option for employees not wishing to administer it. Representative Donaghy said the bill was meant to address life-threatening asthma attacks, especially when a student’s own inhaler is unavailable or when emergency response times are long. OSPI and the Washington State Nurses Association/School Nurse Organization of Washington testified in support, emphasizing the prevalence of asthma, the bill’s permissive nature, and the need for a standing order. The Department of Health had sent a letter asking to strike one section, and some witnesses raised concerns about administering albuterol to students without a prior prescription or diagnosis. Opponents, including a school nurse, argued the bill should wait until the state has clearer protocols, more training, and better staffing, and said nurses should not be asked to diagnose or medicate without physician orders. Supporters, including a pediatric pulmonologist and school nurses, said stock albuterol is safe, can prevent emergency room visits and deaths, and should be paired with parent notification and follow-up care. The public hearing on HB 2360 closed with 113 pro, 2 con, and 1 other signed in.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now it says the superintendent of Education or the superintendent design, so there's no real clarification
• Right now it says the superintendent of Education or the superintendent designate, so there's no real
• Dino Laica, Deputy Superintendent with the Department of Education.
• Dino Laica, Deputy Superintendent with the Department of Education.
• Okay, thank you, Director—I mean Superintendent.

Summary: The House Committee on Education met on February 6 at 2:00 p.m. and heard testimony on a series of education-related bills. HB 1200, which would codify teacher ratios in statute, drew support from the Department of Education, the Democratic Party of the Education Caucus, and 11 individuals; no opposition was noted and the committee moved on without questions. HB 1344, concerning mandatory FAFSA completion, received testimony from the Department of Education, Hawaii P20, and a University of Hawaiʻi student who cited unclaimed Pell Grant funds and low FAFSA completion rates as reasons to support the bill. Committee members asked about current outreach efforts, and DOE and P20 described FAFSA tracking data, hotlines, email support, school-based FAFSA nights, and coordination with counselors; members also raised concerns about federal education funding and Pell Grants. The committee then heard HB 1499, which would authorize staff and volunteers to administer certain medications. The Department of Education, Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing leadership, and the Hawaii State Center for Nursing all testified in support, along with several individuals and the Democratic Party Environmental Caucus. The next measure, HB 902 on the Public Safety Power Shutoff program, was supported by DOE, the Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric, but it prompted extensive questioning from the Vice Chair about whether taxpayers should fund a study to help schools remain open during shutoffs. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would help DOE assess impacts in wildfire-risk areas and noted its wildfire safety strategy, outreach efforts, and potential community resource centers, while the Vice Chair argued the utility should bear more of the cost. The committee also heard HB 961, a bill on school libraries and a CASS pilot program, with DOE offering comments and HSTA and the Hawaii Library Association strongly supporting it. HSTA argued certified librarians are important for literacy, research, and digital literacy, and said many schools lack them because of cost; the association and 14 individuals testified in support. HB 962, a related bill on DOE libraries and the system, also drew support from DOE, HSTA, and the Hawaii Library Association, with 15 individuals in support. Finally, HB 730, concerning the Civil Rights Compliance Branch, received support from DOE, White Children’s Action Network, AAW of Hawaiʻi, and many individuals. Testifiers said the branch needs more resources and training and handles more than Title IX, including Title VI, Title VII, and ADA matters. A student plaintiff in a Title IX lawsuit described unequal treatment in athletics and facilities, and another supporter said the bill would help ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. superintendent of public instruction testifying con on this proposed budget.
• in public education, 15 years as a superintendent, and I'm here because of her.
• I'm the superintendent for the Kolodas School District.
• I'm Kevin Knight, Superintendent of Cobble School District.
• I'm the principal superintendent of Carmido School District, testifying today.

Bills: SB5998

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: fiscal appropriations, budget, state funding, financial management, operating expenses

Transcript Highlights:

• I was told by the learning director, vice principal, principal, and area superintendent of my district
• It would be amazing to see all the superintendents from all the schools throughout California to have
• I try to stay up with meetings with the superintendents and the Fresno State President Sandoval.
• I try to stay up with meetings with the superintendents and the Fresno State President Sandoval.
• And I think we shared that with Superintendent Thurmond on that Zoom call...

Summary: The Select Committee on Native American Affairs held a historic hearing at Table Mountain Rancheria focused on tribal education, culture, resilience, leadership, and trust. The opening prayer and remarks emphasized the significance of holding the first committee hearing on tribal land. Members said the hearing was intended both to hear testimony about ongoing problems in schools and to identify next steps for legislation and policy, especially as the session neared its end. The committee also referenced recent efforts supporting Native students’ right to wear regalia at graduation and broader concerns about representation in education and state institutions. The first panel centered on Native students’ experiences in public schools. Bella Garcia described a two-year fight with Clovis Unified over wearing tribal regalia at graduation, including a restrictive approval form and administrators who she said denied Native identity and made her feel invisible. Morningstar Ghali connected those experiences to the legacy of boarding schools, racial profiling, suspensions, and the “boarding school to prison pipeline,” and called for culturally responsive education, Native educators, counselors, Native studies, and restorative justice. Janet K. Bill, from the Attorney General’s Office of Native American Affairs, described her own path from tribal Head Start to Stanford, law school, tribal council, and state service, and said education, justice, and sovereignty are linked. Members asked about restorative justice, representation, and how to build pipelines into leadership and education roles. The second panel focused on solutions. Chairwoman Michelle Heredia Cordova urged a reimagined education system that is more personalized, experiential, culturally grounded, and balanced with land-based learning, while also recruiting Native teachers and creating stronger tribal partnerships. Chairman Leo Sisku said schools should educate educators, stop tokenizing Native students, and create accountability and consequences for discriminatory behavior; he also supported stronger tribal-school partnerships and more positive outreach. Chairman Fred Bean emphasized consistent engagement from tribal leaders at every level of schooling, stronger transitions from elementary to college, and programs that prepare Native youth for leadership, trades, and higher education. Chairman Shaineto of Tule River argued that schools and administrators should face consequences for violating Native students’ rights, and that Native people should not have to keep educating institutions about basic cultural respect. Committee members responded by discussing possible statewide solutions, including regional tribal boards, better enforcement of existing laws, stronger pipelines into teaching and leadership, and improved representation on boards and in state agencies. Several members raised the need to implement existing laws, fill vacant Native appointments, and consider broader protections for Native regalia and cultural expression. No formal vote was taken in the transcript, but the hearing concluded with a clear call for continued collaboration, accountability, and legislation driven by Native voices.

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.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• operations, but they are directed by law to wholly or partially reside within the Office of the Superintendent
• I am here to provide a unique perspective as a former OSPI assistant superintendent and currently the
• leader for... ...as a former OSPI assistant superintendent and currently the leader for the Professional
• This dissonance that I speak to began in my former role as an assistant superintendent where I oversaw
• They hire and evaluate the superintendent, holding that person accountable.

Summary: The House Education Committee held public hearings on two bills. House Bill 1662 would move several education-related boards and commissions—the State Board of Education, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership, and the Charter School Commission—toward operational independence from OSPI by July 1, 2027, including separate administrative services, asset and employee transfers, and transition planning by OFM. The prime sponsor and supporters said the bill would improve transparency, fiscal accountability, and agency flexibility, while OSPI-related testimony emphasized that small agencies need more nimble administrative support. No one testified in opposition; the hearing record noted 2 pro, 1 con, and 5 other sign-ins, and members were told the bill was substantively the same as the version passed the prior year except for date changes. The committee then heard House Bill 1683, which would require most school districts with 2,000 or more students to elect at least some school board members from director districts rather than entirely at-large, with larger districts needing more district-based seats and districts under 2,000 students exempt. The sponsor and supporters argued the change would improve geographic and demographic representation, especially for lower-income communities and communities of color, and would help ensure school boards reflect the students and families they serve. Opponents, including a school directors association representative, said the bill would be an unfunded mandate, reduce local control, and create added election costs and recruitment challenges; one witness also suggested the bill should consider broader proportional-representation options. Staff noted that 23 districts would currently be out of compliance, and the hearing record showed 12 pro, 163 con, and 2 other sign-ins. No executive action was taken on either bill during this portion of the meeting. At the end of the hearing, the chair reminded members that several bills heard that week would be on next Thursday’s executive session agenda, urged prompt amendment requests, and announced that the committee would adjourn to caucuses.

Transcript Highlights:

• But for the superintendent in Austin ISD, their annual salary is $362,250.
• In fact, we still don't really know why the superintendent was pushed out, and perhaps we may never know
• What deserves to be spotlighted is the fact that the superintendent was provided a six-figure severance
• A superintendent in Fort Bend received $325,000.
• The superintendent was asked to step down, and she received a separation payout of $950,000.

Bills: SB1079 , SB1243 , SB1504 , SB1579 , SB1708 , SB1844 , SB1851 , SB1879 , SB1921 , SB1951 , SB2237 , SB2238 , SB2406 , SB2407

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: SB 1079, Texas, county government, commissioners court, Local Government Code, Chapter 263, surplus property, salvage property, data storage device, hard drive, electronic media, digital records, confidential information, protected information, privacy, records retention, information security, data destruction, device disposal, sensitive data

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government was marked by significant discussions on multiple bills aimed at enhancing governance and protecting taxpayer interests. Among the notable legislations was SB1951, where Senator Paxton emphasized reforms to reduce erroneous penalty notices imposed by appraisal districts, eliminating the financial incentive for such penalties. The session concluded with public testimonies that highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in taxpayer dealings. Additionally, Senator Middleton presented SB1504 and SB2237, focusing on the operational frameworks of local authorities and executive severance payments, respectively, both of which sparked considerable debate among committee members.

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

Committee: House Public Education

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:

• Talk to your superintendents across the state.
• Talk to your superintendents across the state.
• Talk to your superintendents across the state.
• Talk to your superintendents across the state.
• Talk to your superintendents across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• To me, my superintendent said they could probably even do it for less.
• This was made very clear to us in a meeting with the SSD superintendent.
• I've talked to the superintendents. They've gone through and gone through and gone through.
• I think we have the superintendent of the special school district here, if I'm not mistaken.
• I think we have the superintendent of the special school district here, if I'm not mistaken.

Committee: House General Laws

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 3070, a firearms-related bill. Representative Koslow argued the bill was not truly Second Amendment friendly, saying it could block return of stolen firearms, expose taxpayers to large payouts, and harm firearm dealers. Representative Greg said local law enforcement did not support it. The committee then voted 3 ayes and 9 noes, and HB 3070 failed to be reported do pass. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2904, which would expand animal mistreatment law to include starvation and add a House committee substitute addressing false reports of animal abuse. Representative Don Mayhew said the bill responds to cases of animals left chained and neglected, and supporters from the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Humane World for Animals, and the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation backed the measure. No opposition testimony was offered. The bulk of the meeting focused on House Bill 2933, which would allow school districts in St. Louis County to withdraw from the Special School District of St. Louis County through board action and a local vote. The sponsor and supporters, including Lindbergh officials, parents, and an attorney, said the current SSD structure is too rigid, lacks accountability, and can fail to meet students’ individualized needs; they cited service delays, litigation, and concerns raised by families. Opponents, including SSD administrators, superintendents, parents, and advocates, said SSD provides specialized services that many districts could not replicate, warned the bill could fragment services and create instability, and pointed to the countywide history and existing review mechanisms for SSD. The hearing ended without a vote on HB 2933.

Transcript Highlights:

• You had a current board member that was the superintendent also experienced that. So, Mr.
• About a third of our superintendents every year, then there are some challenges.
• I think it's notable that the Association of Superintendents supports...
• I think it's notable that the Association of Superintendents supports this bill.
• And then it goes to the superintendent and school administrator...

Bills: SB23 , SB73 , SB210 , SB234 , SB243 , SB244 , SM16

Committee: House House Education

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you so much, Assistant Superintendent Neamb.
• /c> call up next superintendent Morrison who call up next superintendent Morrison who is<00:34:07.159
• </c><01:30:01.320><c> Jeff</c> uh Jeff Burgess superintendent Jeff uh Jeff Burgess superintendent Jeff
• Thank you for sharing your perspective on that, Superintendent.
• Thank you for sharing your perspective on that, Superintendent.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• There are no requirements codified in statute for an elected superintendent.
• Basically, for an elected superintendent, it's up to the school board.
• For an appointed superintendent, it would be up to the school board.
• Superintendents carry immense responsibility.
• I'd rather have our school superintendents focus on leading, or the school superintendent in Hillsborough

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Terry Fields and the Parkland victims, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine organizational actions including approval of the journal and adoption of a special order report. The chamber then took up House Bill 1119, relating to materials harmful to minors, which the sponsor described as a measure to clarify and strengthen standards for removing obscene or pornographic content from public school classrooms and libraries while preserving educational uses and not targeting classical literature, LGBTQ content, or other protected viewpoints. Members questioned the bill’s use of terms such as “predominantly,” its relationship to existing local review processes, the impact on AP/IB and college-level materials, the applicability to voucher-funded schools, and the risk of additional First Amendment litigation and costs. The sponsor responded that the bill was needed because current standards were being bypassed and that the legislation was aimed at material harmful to minors, not general literary value. The House considered numerous amendments, most of which were defeated. Amendments offered by Representatives Gant, Aristide, Bartleman, Eskamani, Nixon, Rainer, Woodson, and Harris sought, among other things, to preserve parental choice during review periods, restore a whole-work constitutional standard, limit repeated objections, protect educational and abuse-prevention materials, prevent LGBTQ-inclusive books from being labeled harmful solely on that basis, shield school districts from funding penalties, and delay enforcement in districts already under litigation. Supporters of the amendments argued that the bill would encourage censorship, remove books with clear literary or educational value, burden districts with costs and lawsuits, and harm students who rely on school libraries for access to reading material and representation. Opponents of the amendments argued the bill was necessary to protect minors from explicit content and that the proposed changes would weaken that protection. All of the amendments described in the transcript failed. After the amendment process, the House waived rules, read HB 1119 a third time by title, and entered structured debate on final passage. In closing debate, opponents repeated concerns about constitutional vulnerability, overbroad book removals, and the educational harm of limiting access to literature, while supporters framed the bill as a child-protection measure and a clarification of existing law. The transcript ends during the structured debate on final passage, before the final vote on the bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have some that are so small that the superintendent is the principal is the teacher.
• Isn't Brady the superintendent there? Here we go. Welcome. But I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman, am I up?
• I'm the superintendent of the Twin Falls School District.
• That includes your superintendent, your elementary principal, your secondary principal.
• Hoy's statements, they are essential in these schools to the superintendent of Twin Falls.

Committee: Senate Education

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:

• And then Superintendent Critchfield had made some comments as well, and she'd said, “The more control
• And Superintendent Critchfield had made some comments as well, and she'd said, “The more control states
• If we were to have a full hearing, would you anticipate that the superintendent of instruction would
• All I'm asking is that we have a conversation about it, that we talk to the superintendent, that, you
• All I'm asking is that we have a conversation about it, that we talk to the superintendent, that, you

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Deputy<00:21:50.559><c> Superintendent.</c> &gt;&gt; Deputy Superintendent.
• &gt;&gt; Deputy Superintendent.
• &gt;&gt; Deputy<00:29:34.240><c> Superintendent.</c> &gt;&gt; Deputy Superintendent.
• &gt;&gt; Deputy Superintendent.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Deputy Super Deputy Superintendent &gt;&gt; Deputy Super Deputy Superintendent Mueller.

Bills: HF3405 , HF3413 , HF3769 , HF3768 , HF3771 , HF3465

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy