Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, the Superintendent of Insurance is here as a witness, so could you want to say anything?
• Thank you, Madam Superintendent.
• I would encourage the insurance superintendent to help us as legislators protect whether they're in..
• You've also added some other individuals, including the superintendent who's here.
• Consulting with the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance.

Transcript Highlights:

• I work as the county superintendent of schools right here in Sacramento County.
• Just also to follow from our superintendent here to advocate for a coordinated statewide EEP plan developed
• Rihanna Browns with the California County Superintendents.

Summary: The committee took up issue number seven, Child Care Rate Reform Transition Plan, and heard a presentation from the LAO on an eight-part transition plan for the period before implementation of the alternative methodology-based child care rate system. The plan would provide interim rate increases to existing regional market rates and standard reimbursement rates beginning January 1 of the budget year, keep the higher of SRR or ARMR as the single rate, annualize cost-of-care supplements, update hold-harmless language, eliminate the private market cap, authorize one-time systems transition funding with JLBC approval, and require annual reporting on parent co-pays. Members asked about the timeline and public/legislative feedback process, and administration staff said they were working toward the July 1, 2025 deadline while continuing stakeholder engagement through the rate and quality advisory process. Public comment was overwhelmingly focused on child care and early learning funding. Providers, county offices, advocacy groups, and education organizations urged the Legislature to move quickly on the alternative rate methodology, provide interim relief through a cost-of-living adjustment, reimburse based on enrollment rather than attendance, and preserve health and retirement benefits and workforce stability. Many speakers also pressed for funding to expand the promised 200,000 child care slots, warning that waitlists remain long and providers are under financial strain. Several commenters supported maintaining or extending grants and technical assistance for transitional kindergarten, inclusive early education, and mixed-delivery early learning programs. A separate set of comments addressed the Inclusive Early Education Expansion Program, with Sacramento County education officials and others urging a statewide plan that would extend support to the 20 counties not currently receiving grants, especially rural areas. Other speakers raised concerns about facilities and staffing impacts from TK expansion, the need for consistent eligibility rules across subsidized programs, and the importance of statewide systems-level funding. The chair thanked the LAO, administration, and public commenters, said the item would remain open until after the May Revision, and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• and as we've listened to superintendents and as we've listened to superintendents in<01:03:38.880
• K, public schools have a perfectly balanced budget, but that's because our superintendent didn't spend
• <01:14:32.920> just clarify uh what our superintendent just clarify uh what our superintendent
• um I've got some really superintendent um I've got some really good<01:15:06.080> ones<01:15:
• But I think Senator Putnam is right, and obviously his superintendent connection is pretty legit.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've heard from superintendents, we've heard from teachers, we've heard from educators across the state
• We've heard from superintendents, we've heard from teachers, we've heard from educators across the state
• I'm John Magus, superintendent of Dilworth Public Schools, and I'm here today to talk about critical
• Members, when our superintendent and school board members get together, I'd say when they get the most
• extremely superintendent who is extremely frustrated<01:31:46.560> about<01:31:47.000> the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, that is where the idea originated, working with Secretary Hamlin and Superintendent Fields on this
• you agree or cite principles need to be on board, these side principles also need to know their superintendents
• absolutely a critical piece of this, but to know they have the support of the principals, the superintendents
• I had a superintendent call me a couple weeks ago who was upset about your bill that we passed.

Bills: HB4420, HB3974, HB3016, HB3062, HB3021, HB3145, HB4128, HB3131, HB3015, HB3472, HB3453, HB1638, HB4126, HB2696, HB2710, HB3552, HB3031, HB3544, HB3521, HB4490, HB4488, HB1746, HJR1069, HB4428, HB4429, HB1170, HB3538, HB4124, HB3904, HB4106, HB2999, HB3982, HJR1077, HB3464, HB2588, HB3462, HB4440, HB3674, HB3345, HJR1067, HB4326, HB4331, HB4337, HB4338, HB4359, HB4392, HB3557, HJR1076, HB4003, HB3495, HB3497, HB3501, HB3505, HB3749, HB3011, HB4336, HB4346, HJR1087, HB3240, HB3647, HB3796, HB3969, HB3972, HB3983, HB3984, HB3989, HB3383, HB3130, HB4358, HB3327, HJR1055, HB3386, HJR1089, HB3087, HB2970, HB3314, HB4129, HB4199

Keywords: reading, intervention, literacy, education, third grade retention, teacher training, funding, Strong Readers Act, tort claims, inmate housing, government immunity, public trust, private prison, emergency legislation, vision screening, binocular vision, kindergarten, elementary education, health, firearm rights

Transcript Highlights:

• medical leave, all of the mandates that have been put on our schools right now, we are hearing from superintendents
• schools right now we are hearing on our schools right now we are hearing from<00:09:04.440> superintendents
• <00:09:05.160> across<00:09:05.480> the<00:09:05.600> state from superintendents
• across the state from superintendents across the state we're<00:09:06.200> looking<00:09:06.440

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And the board is the state school board and superintendent. Correct.
• And the board is the state school board and superintendent. Correct.
• How many superintendents have you talked to concerning this bill? >> I've talked to several.
• I know it did not include all of our superintendents. >> I didn't say all, but I...
• include all of our superintendants. include all of our superintendants.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think it's something that Superintendent Bachmeier is going to push.
• And I think it's something that Superintendent Bachmeier is going to push.
• So Superintendent Buckbauer and the committee are aware. It did get placed up there.
• We aren't a state that the state office, me or previous Superintendent Baesler or Superintendent Bachmeier
• I had the superintendent from Steele call me.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or the committee sub superintendent or the committee sub changes<00:37:32.640> to<00:37:32.880
• > superintendent<00:37:33.599> so<00:37:33.760> that<00:37:34.160> it's changes
• to superintendent so that it's changes to superintendent so that it's consistent<00:37:34.960> with
• Now I was a part as a as a<00:52:23.040> superintendent<00:52:23.599> a<00:52:23.839>
• a part of that standard a superintendent a part of that standard setting<00:52:25.359> committee<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 44, sponsored by Representative Chris Lewis, which would create a robotics program trust fund and a robotics funding selection committee through the Kentucky Department of Education. Supporters, including Kentucky First Robotics executive director Kelly Gowen and students from Whitfield Academy, said the bill would expand hands-on robotics education in high schools, connect students to manufacturing and engineering careers, and help meet workforce needs. The proposal would fund grants for coach stipends, competition fees, kits, supplies, and related expenses, and Lewis requested a one-time $500,000 appropriation along with private contributions from manufacturers. The students demonstrated their robot and described how robotics programs teach coding, design, manufacturing, and competition skills. The committee took no questions and approved HB 44 with a favorable expression of opinion for passage on the House floor. The committee then considered House Bill 253, sponsored by Representative James Tipton, which would phase out the use of three-cueing reading instruction and require greater alignment with the science of reading. Tipton said the bill builds on the 2022 Read to Succeed law and would prohibit three cueing in public schools by the 2029-2030 school year, while also barring public university teacher prep programs from teaching it beginning in 2027-2028. He and Kentucky Department of Education officials said the bill is intended to shift instruction toward phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, and to expand professional learning for teachers through LETRS and other options. KDE testified that enforcement would focus on support rather than punishment, using literacy coaches, regional support staff, and MTSS specialists to help districts transition. Members discussed the bill’s delayed implementation, the evidence against three cueing, and whether reading recovery should be excluded from approved interventions. Supporters cited studies and brain research they said show three cueing can hurt later reading performance, while several members emphasized the need for teacher flexibility and support. Representative Jackson noted Kentucky’s 2025 NAEP third-grade reading ranking of fourth in the nation as evidence that current efforts are helping. Representative Truett and others raised concerns about how the bill would affect classroom practice and intervention strategies, and Tipton and KDE said the goal is to align instruction with evidence-based methods rather than punish educators. The transcript ends during continued discussion of reading recovery and related instructional approaches, with no final vote on HB 253 shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I also am not the superintendent of schools nor the president of the University, right?
• But I also am not the superintendent of schools nor the president of the University, right?
• But I also am not the superintendent of schools nor the president of the University, right?
• But I also am not the superintendent of schools nor the president of the University, right?
• of schools nor the superintendent of schools nor the president<00:31:36.240> of<00:31:36.320>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The meeting covered several Senate resolutions related to the University of Hawaiʻi system, the East-West Center, and related education and workforce issues. On SCR 178 and SR 48, testifiers strongly supported the East-West Center, describing it as an important Hawaii asset that promotes cultural exchange, global citizenship, diplomacy, and ties to the University of Hawaiʻi. Speakers said the Center has helped train leaders and bring international connections and investment to Hawaii, and they urged continued funding despite federal cuts. The chairs then recommended passage with technical amendments, and both resolutions were adopted by the committees. The committee also heard testimony on resolutions calling for audits of University of Hawaiʻi operations. On SR 32 and SCR 50, the University of Hawaiʻi said it supported the resolution and had already begun work on establishing a Bachelor of Science in nursing at the UH Maui campus, with additional staff available on Zoom to answer questions. On SR 160 and SCR 142, which sought a financial and performance audit of UH Mānoa facilities, UH Athletics said it already undergoes annual financial audits required by NCAA bylaws but not performance audits, and discussed its internal evaluations, contingency planning, and efforts to address concerns raised by student athletes and staff. The committee then took up SCR 138 and SR 55, requesting a management and performance audit of the UH Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy. Vice President Deborah Halbert and P20 Director Steve Shotz said they did not oppose the audit and believed it could provide clarity, while explaining that the office is relatively new and works collaboratively across campuses on articulation, transfer, grants, and workforce alignment. They described grant programs including Perkins, GEAR UP, preschool development, and data-sharing efforts, and said they are focusing more resources on teaching, health care, and skilled trades. The discussion also touched on SR 54, a proposed performance audit of the UH Foundation, where foundation representatives said they already undergo annual financial audits, acknowledged some donor communication issues, but emphasized improved stewardship and growth in fundraising over recent years.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the principal and the superintendent, the principal and the superintendent, the<00:37:09.599>
• That principal is hired by the superintendent and the school board in a leadership position to operate
• and the school board superintendent and the school board in<00:47:06.240> a<00:47:06.400>
• We had a principal that was a wonderful principal who's now superintendent.
• So although we who's now superintendent.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, approval of the prior journal, and remarks welcoming visitors, including military children in the annex. The House clerk then communicated several House-passed measures to the Senate, and the clerk reported second readings of Senate Bills 70, 74, 80, 127, and 154, which were sent to the Rules Committee. Committee reports also advanced SB 129, SB 101 with Committee Substitute 1, SB 124, SB 50, SB 162 with Committee Substitute 1, SB 170 with Committee Substitute 1, and Senate Resolution 103. The chamber also introduced SB 211 on prescription drug coverage and SB 212 on mental health coverage and declared an emergency. The main floor action was on Senate Joint Resolution 74, which directs the Legislative Research Commission and state agencies to create a statewide fiscal map of substance use disorder programs and funding sources. Supporters said the map would consolidate fragmented funding information across agencies, identify gaps and duplication, improve budgeting, and provide a public-facing report; the resolution also requires posting the map online and submitting a report to the General Assembly by October 30, 2026. The Senate passed SJR 74 by a vote of 38-0. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 104, the “Halo Act,” which would create a 25-foot safety buffer around first responders while they are performing official duties. Supporters argued it would protect first responders and EMTs from interference and still allow bystanders to document events from a distance. Opponents said existing laws already cover obstruction and related conduct, and warned the bill is vague, duplicative, and could chill First Amendment activity such as filming police or protesting. The debate included multiple explanations of votes, with some senators citing public safety and others raising constitutional concerns; the excerpt ends before the final vote on SB 104 is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• , um they have all bought superintendent, um they have all bought into<00:32:48.640> that<00:32
• We would not put that burden at this time on our superintendent or our board members.
• our superintendent or our board members. our superintendent or our board members.
• Unfortunately, when I left to become superintendent of Danville Independent Schools, our school, the
• <00:51:54.640> of I left to become superintendent of I left to become superintendent of Damville

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September meeting minutes, and heard presentations from Carter G. Woodson Academy in Lexington and related school programs in Fayette County Public Schools. School leaders described the academy as an all-male public school option focused on culture, belonging, and opportunity, with a mission to educate, empower, and equip young men academically, socially, and morally. They emphasized culturally responsive instruction, restorative practices, mentorship, brotherhood circles, and access to advanced coursework, dual enrollment, and career pathways. Student speakers highlighted school culture, leadership opportunities, and clubs such as SGA, Beta Club, FFA, and the Bow Tie Club, along with service and community engagement. Presenters said the academy began in 2012, is housed with Frederick Douglass High School, uses an application and lottery process, and can serve up to about 350 students but is intentionally kept near 300 because of space. They reported 302 enrolled students, about 38 seniors, a 100% graduation rate, 95% average attendance, 100% postsecondary success, and $1.8 million in scholarship offers last year. They also shared demographic and achievement data, noting growth in MAP scores, strengths in reading and writing, and math as an ongoing focus area. The school said 90% of high school scholars are taking at least one dual credit class this year, and some students have earned opportunities at selective programs such as Gatton Academy and Craft Academy. Committee members praised the school’s results and asked about enrollment, funding, and whether the model could be replicated statewide. School leaders said the program is fully funded through Fayette County Public Schools, could be replicated with committed staff and training, and that teachers receive preparation through the Gearing Institute to better understand how boys learn. They also noted that Fayette County has other specialized programs, including girls’ academies and other options for underrepresented students. Members expressed interest in long-term tracking of graduates, and the school said it is preparing to study outcomes as the first graduating class approaches its 10-year anniversary.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in the past, our superintendent had stopped the school bus from crossing those bridges.
• Superintendents only last Three to five years. And there's a high turnover in superintendents.
• , hiring that superintendent, and staying with that superintendent until they retire. 10 years.
• But as a person changing a person's behavior as a teacher, as an administrator, as a superintendent,
• Being superintendent on the Navajo reservation for seven years before this, you know, those are my.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the superintendent president in Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California.
• Jeff Baca representing the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools.
• Mark Sanchez, Superintendent-President of Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California.
• Mark Sanchez, Superintendent-President of Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California.
• Mark Sanchez, Superintendent-President of Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California.

Summary: The committee heard the May Revision presentation for the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, with public comment focused heavily on K-12 priorities such as universal school meals, kitchen infrastructure, food service and custodial support, youth leadership grants, Special Olympics funding, English learner support, universal pre-K, literacy investments, and concerns about community college funding shifts. Speakers also urged support for expanded learning, teacher recruitment and training, and maintaining or increasing funding for community colleges and student support programs. Finance and the LAO then reviewed the Proposition 98 outlook. Finance said the May Revision lowers the 2025-26 Prop. 98 guarantee to $114.6 billion, about $4.3 billion below January, due mainly to lower revenue estimates, with smaller effects from attendance and property tax changes. The administration also described rebenching for universal transitional kindergarten and a one-time rebench tied to Los Angeles fire-related property tax losses, along with changes to the Public School System Stabilization Account, deferrals, and updated COLA assumptions. The LAO said the budget relies too much on deferrals and one-time funds, creates a structural shortfall, and should instead align ongoing spending with the guarantee and preserve a reserve buffer. Members questioned the TK rebench and the shift of funding from community colleges to K-12, asking why it was being applied retroactively and how colleges would be held harmless. Finance said the changes align funding with where TK costs are being incurred and that reappropriation funding and other adjustments would offset impacts on community colleges. The LAO argued the historical split formula is outdated and should be abandoned in favor of budgeting around current priorities rather than fixed percentages. Members also raised concerns about draining the rainy day reserve and using deferrals, while the LAO said preserving reserves would better protect against future volatility. The committee then moved to specific K-12 and education proposals. Finance outlined May Revision changes including state operations adjustments for the Department of Education, technical trailer bill changes, a $100 million student teacher stipend program administered by Kern County, and updates to the charter school facility grant program. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposed increases for expanded learning, literacy coaches, and the student teacher stipend as currently structured, while supporting the minimum grant increase for expanded learning. Members expressed support for teacher recruitment efforts but questioned whether one-time funding can sustain ongoing programs and whether the student teacher stipend should be targeted to shortage areas or low-income communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also our team of assistant superintendents are available.
• <02:46:57.000> and over to assistant superintendent and over to assistant superintendent and
• <02:54:09.040> and complex area superintendents and complex area superintendents and principles
• office centralized I know superintendent office centralized I know superintendent Hayashi<03:28:
• “So, superintendent, one more question.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Superintendent<00:04:53.759> Denfelder. Superintendent Denfelder. Mr.
• Megan Deanfelder, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
• superintendent of public instruction. superintendent of public instruction.
• Thank you, Chairman, and thank you, Superintendent Deanfelder.
• And, uh, Superintendent Dean Filler, thank you for the information on this.

Bills: HB0023, HB0024, HB0025

Keywords: extracurricular activities, public school participation, enrollment, Wyoming, student access, charter schools, application process, authorizers, public hearing, community support, scholarship, education, eligibility, continuous enrollment, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Superintendent.
• Chair and um superintendent, yes, yes, um, our team's been trying to work with them too, and we visited
• My name is Susan Chavez, and I'm the acting superintendent for Los Unna Schools where Anne Parish is

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Donna Magon, and I serve as superintendent of the Newport School District.
• Thank you very much, Superintendent, for joining us again.
• We heard from the superintendent in Newport this morning that it's not happening there.
• We heard from the superintendent in Newport this morning that it's not happening there.
• We heard from the superintendent in Newport this morning that it's not happening there.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 193, which clarifies that dual and concurrent enrollment courses may not exceed four credits. Members said the bill came from the community college system and was intended to preserve the program’s high school-to-college pathway. An amendment changing the effective date to passage was adopted 18-0, and the committee then voted 18-0 to recommend OTPA on the bill as amended, with the bill placed on the consent calendar. The committee then retained HB 295 and HB 366, both related to school building aid, after members said the issues were complex and needed more work. Both motions to retain passed 18-0, leaving the bills in committee without reports. The chair also said HB 354 would not be taken up that day because of possible changes from the Department of Education and others. HB 494, funding the math learning communities program, was then amended to flat-fund the program rather than increase it, with members citing budget uncertainty. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted 18-0 for OTPA on the bill as amended, placing it on consent. Finally, HB 515, which would repeal charter public school eligibility for state school building aid, drew debate over whether charter schools should be treated differently from traditional public schools. The committee voted 10-8 for inexpedient to legislate, sending the bill to the regular calendar; Representative Damon was assigned the minority report and Representative Popovic the majority report. The committee then began HB 716, an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program, where members discussed flat-funding the program at $2.5 million per year and the potential impact on course availability, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's where our superintendents costs?
• Are they meaning the executive assistant to the superintendent?
• A lot of these are like superintendent.
• :36:58.960> district, composed of a superintendent, district, composed of a superintendent, district
• particular superintendent particular superintendent um<03:21:05.040> and<03:21:05.359>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:23.760> and<00:28:23.919> his you to Superintendent Hayashi and his you to Superintendent
• <00:31:05.919> So<00:31:06.080> we're superintendent and his team.
• So we're superintendent and his team.
• <01:18:21.920> and with complex area superintendent and with complex area superintendent and
• Thank you, superintendent and team.

Keywords: 910, house, all