Video & Transcript Research : 'experiential learning'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- , but do not children in K-12 learning, but do not address<00:01:58.960>
learning <00:01:59.320 - older care and learning.
- as compared to later care and learning as compared to later care and<00:10:28.200>
learning. - That'd be my basic and learning.
- when every child learns about that. when every child learns about that.
Keywords:
foster care, early childhood education, child care programs, placement plan, social services, extended foster care, kinship care, relative custody, permanent legal and physical custody, Northstar kinship assistance, independent living plan, transition services, youth aging out of care, medical assistance, Medicaid, child welfare, children youth and families, out-of-home placement, case plan, relative placement
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL Public Hearing 03-07-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Gordner has been really eager to learn about HCDA in general, about the housing reserve program, and
- about hcda in general about to learn about hcda in general about housing<00:13:48.120>
a <00:13 - This was despite her running her learning center and being involved on the neighborhood board.
- more so it it's a great honor to learn and<00:31:25.720>
to <00:31:25.880>learn <00:31: - I feel like I have a steep learning curve.
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land opened with housekeeping remarks about testimony limits, video availability, and that decision-making would follow the hearing. The committee then heard and considered several SCRs authorizing long-term nonexclusive easements over state submerged lands for existing public or private infrastructure on Oahu, including stormwater outfalls, shoreline protection structures, concrete stairs, seawalls, and a rock revetment. DLNR supported each measure and generally requested only technical or clarifying amendments; for SCR 3, DLNR asked that the title be clarified to specify the easement would be granted to the City and County of Honolulu. After discussion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations, passing SCR 3 with amendments and SCRs 4, 6, and 7 unamended, while SCR 5 was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. Senator Meli noted general concerns about seawalls and hardening but said he would support the measures because they involved repair of existing structures and public access, though he indicated a reservation on SCR 6.
The committee then took up governor’s messages for HCDA appointments. For GM 58, Gerald Gordner was nominated to the Kalaeloa district seat; HCDA’s executive director and another supporter praised his urban planning, housing, zoning, GIS, and collaborative skills, and Gordner described his interim service and background in housing affordability and disaster recovery. Members also discussed a former military hangar in Kalaeloa and possible future uses, with Gordner noting he understood there had been restrictions that were later lifted, while the chair raised concerns about airport operations and modular housing use. The committee also heard support for GM 559, nominating Micki Lidstone as cultural specialist; HCDA said she had been an active and reliable board participant and cultural resource, and Lidstone said she valued learning from Native Hawaiian testimony and helping balance community perspectives. Finally, GM 688 nominated Deborah Kabibi to the Leeward Oahu/Maui district seat; HCDA said her community ties would be valuable for South Maui planning, and Kabibi said she had learned a lot from the board’s collaborative process and was eager to represent her community. The transcript ends during discussion of GM 688, before any vote on the nominations is shown.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- And, you know, we can learn from those stories.
- We learn. We have, you know, the...
- It provides a little bit of a low-risk opportunity to learn.
- And so we want to move away from learned dependence.
- Like, I feel like there's a lot to learn.
Summary:
The committee/task force met with several disability service providers to discuss integrated employment, transition services, and barriers to community jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described creating their own businesses when community employers were not hiring their clients, and said rigid service rules, employer readiness, bullying, and reimbursement structures often force the person to fit the service rather than the service fitting the person. They said they have not seen clients lose benefits, but they do closely manage reporting to Social Security and related supports. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial work, city beautification, state-use contracts, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said many employers are hesitant because of productivity and cost concerns, and that businesses are often more open to contracting with her agency than hiring individuals directly.
Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model with sheltered work, volunteer sites, paid contracts, and a Transition Academy. She said the academy is a two-year program focused first on independent living and then on employment, with internships and an 85% placement rate, but funding is a major barrier because the program is not accredited and students cannot access traditional aid. She also cited dual diagnoses, inconsistent job coaches, and employer uncertainty as major obstacles. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described DRTC’s long-running enclave contracts, a new Community Skills and Connections program, and a plan to phase out 14(c) subminimum wage use by the end of the year. They said the new program is designed to keep people engaged in community-based skill-building and networking while families still need day supports, and that DRTC has developed more than 100 community partnerships.
Senator Kirt, Rep. Hefner, and participants discussed broader system issues, including the need for better school-to-work transition, more social integration, transportation, safety, and employer education. DRS staff said the agency is already required to provide pre-employment transition services in schools starting at age 14 and offers employer accommodations support and job-carving assistance, though they acknowledged federal reporting expectations and service rules can be restrictive. Several participants raised concerns about line-of-sight restrictions, congregate living rules, benefit cliffs, and the difficulty of moving from DDS to DRS services. The group also discussed the need for better data and possible working groups focused on in-school transition, program support and blending services, and community integration. No formal votes were taken.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 9th, 2026 at 11:18 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- learning about animals.
- President, as I think Senator Uzell did mention, I did learn how to use a sewing machine.
- So either working, learning about horses and such and then going to learning about the importance, of
- are very important for us to learn.
- What I call basics that I think are very important for us to learn in life.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Aug 25th, 2025
Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We also house the Instructional Resource Center, which Supplies specialized learning materials around
- Since we know about 80% of our learning happens through our vision, we have to compensate for that.
- This is 2002, when nobody could spell "cyber" or even spell "machine learning."
- Now, the key is: how do you take what we learned over the years and apply it to AI?
- At the same time, helping them with. basic learning and not have AI replace that.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill repeals the professional learning certification programs and professional education competency
- So you're talking about your shared experiences, your lived experiences, your learned experiences.
- So you're talking about your shared experiences, your lived experiences, your learned experiences.
- And so they do need to learn how to address how to help student teachers, faculty, to be prepared and
- They want to learn a skill. They want to get job experience.
Summary:
The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up four bills. The first, HB 875 on educator preparation, would align teacher-prep programs under a uniform core curriculum, create a competency-based coaching program (CERT), standardize mentor and clinical educator requirements, allow certain certification waivers, and establish a Florida Institute of Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College subject to appropriation. Debate focused heavily on language in the bill related to systemic racism, identity politics, privilege, and historical distortion, with supporters saying the bill is about pedagogy and opponents warning it could limit discussion of important historical and social topics. The committee adopted a strike-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably, 12-4.
The committee then considered PCS for HB 541 on minimum wage requirements, which would allow employees to knowingly and voluntarily waive the state minimum wage for up to 12 months in certain structured work-based training settings. Supporters argued it would expand access to training and career pathways for inexperienced workers and help address labor shortages, while opponents said it could depress wages, invite coercion, and conflict with the state constitution’s minimum wage provisions. Public testimony included opposition from workers and labor groups and support from NFIB. The bill was reported favorably, 12-4.
Next, PCS for HB 681 on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship program funding was presented as a transparency and accountability measure to improve funding reporting and address bargaining issues between education agencies and program providers. Support came from industry groups and the ranking member, and the bill was reported favorably without opposition, 16-0. Finally, PCS for HB 1105 on education and Bright Futures would broaden Gold Seal Vocational eligibility, align CTE diploma requirements with Bright Futures, add AP Capstone as an automatic qualifier, and remove barriers for certain military and public service families. The committee supported the bill, which was reported favorably, 15-0. The meeting ended after a correction to the record on one public comment card and adjournment.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Learning styles and intellectual disabilities. The focus here is to be collaborative.
- These students who interacted with Evan in the classroom learned valuable lessons that prepared them
- His classmates learned to understand their differences, but more importantly, their similarities.
- What an amazing education to have learned so early in life.
- I want students to learn to celebrate the differences, and most importantly, to not intentionally or
Summary:
The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee heard and advanced a series of education-related bills, beginning with SB 540, the Evan B. Hartzell Act, which would require age-appropriate disability history and awareness instruction across grade bands. The committee adopted a delete-all amendment, heard emotional testimony from Melissa Hartzell about her son Evan’s experience with disability and inclusion, and reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 1296, creating a pilot study on school cellphone bans; SB 1590, creating a task force to review educator preparation, certification, and professional learning; SB 1702, a broad education bill with provisions on private school facilities, marching band credit, school readiness reimbursements, and charter school monitoring tools; SB 1150, exempting school social workers from certain certification testing requirements; SB 1708, revising School of Hope rules and adding a Miami-Dade co-location framework; SB 822, updating charter school governance and operations; SB 444, requiring annual human trafficking awareness training for school personnel; and SB 742, expanding workforce development and money-back guarantee programs. Most of these bills were amended before being reported favorably by committee vote.
The committee also considered and reported favorably SB 8, a claims bill providing a $1.2 million settlement for Marcus Button and his family arising from a 2006 Pasco County school bus crash that caused severe lifelong injuries. Senator Gaetz opposed claims bills in general, arguing the sovereign immunity cap should be raised so such cases can be resolved locally. Several bills drew questions and debate over implementation details, including concerns about charter school dress and hair policies under SB 822, the scope of human trafficking training under SB 444, and the zoning implications of private school facility provisions in SB 1702. Sponsor responses generally emphasized that the bills were intended to clarify existing policy or improve student safety, access, or educational outcomes.
The committee also took up confirmation appointments. It recommended confirmation of the slate of appointees on Tabs 12 and 14 through 21 by voice vote, and separately recommended confirmation of Daniel Fogunoli to the State Board of Education after debate in which Senator Davis and Senator Osgood opposed the appointment. The meeting concluded with members recording additional votes, including Senator Burgess’s affirmative vote on SB 1150, and then adjourned.
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- They fill a critical need by ensuring children arrive at school ready to learn in the fall.
- their needs, interests, and learning styles.
- their needs, interest, and learning styles.
- One such example is in Kentucky, where the United We Learn initiative...
- Thank you. ...tiers of learning and to provide recommendations for improvement.
Keywords:
SB 293, youth camp, child care licensing, Office of Child Care Licensing, OCCL, American Camp Association, ACA accreditation, Purchase of Care, POC reimbursement, summer camp, school-age child care, child care exemption, Division of Public Health permit, Title 14, Delaware Department of Education, health and safety standards, child care provider reimbursement, summer child care, camp licensing, license exemption
Summary:
The House Education Committee met and first heard Senate Bill 293, the Youth Camp Licensing Act, which would amend child care licensing rules for youth camps. The sponsor said the bill, with amendments, would remove accreditation language, clarify shelter requirements for outdoor camps, and eliminate limits that had restricted the number of children camps could serve, especially for families using purchase-of-care assistance. YMCA and school representatives testified in support, saying the measure would expand access to safe, affordable summer care for low-income working families. The committee voted to release the bill.
The committee then approved Senate Bill 328, which would require the Department of Education’s school facility evaluation instrument to be established by regulation and to include lead-based paint hazards in the standard of good repair. The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Advisory Committee supported the bill, explaining that lead had not been included in the original evaluation tool and that the new language would improve transparency and public comment. Senate Bill 318, updating the Delaware State Education Association special license plate program, also passed after DSEA testified that proceeds support scholarships for educators and students pursuing education careers.
House Bill 443, dealing with background checks for education volunteers and mentors, passed as well. The sponsor said it would allow DOE to continue receiving wrapback reports for mentors in the state mentoring program and ensure state and federal criminal background checks remain in place. The committee also released Senate Joint Resolution 15, which directs DOE to reevaluate Delaware’s use of the SAT, modernize the accountability framework, and develop additional measures of student achievement and readiness; supporters argued the SAT does not capture career and technical pathways or other indicators of success. House Bill 459, which prohibits the sale of energy drinks on public middle and high school campuses during school hours or events, passed after discussion focused on whether the bill would affect possession versus sale and whether it could lead to student discipline; DOE said the bill only bans sales, and the sponsor said an amendment would clarify intent. Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 137 passed, directing DOE to review math instruction and MTSS supports statewide; testimony emphasized low math proficiency and the need for stronger, more coherent interventions. The committee also began hearing Senate Bill 279 on occupational therapist salary placement, with discussion centered on aligning OT compensation with other specialist roles and broader salary regulation updates, though the transcript cuts off before final action is shown.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh I think that was probably learning.
- <00:12:13.440>
about uh with some access to learning about uh with some access to learning - so that they understand how learning so that they understand how students<00:15:45.560>
learn - But the goal being as we learned But the goal being as we learned a<00:36:33.600>
little < - Learning can't stop at high school.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- >
um so much learning that's happening um so much learning that's happening um while<00:20:28.320 - are also raised there and also learn are also raised there and also learn from<00:20:45.200>
- I know that teaching and learning happens outside.
- Learned a lot in school, so I think it's a good idea.
- <01:07:55.480>
learned what skills need to be learned learned what skills need to be learned
Keywords:
school calendar, education, school year, Labor Day, state law, school construction, landfill, dump site, closed landfill, contaminated site, pollution control agency, school siting, public school, charter school, environmental health, student safety, brownfield, solid waste, waste disposal site, site contamination
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/20/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:03:26.480>
If and individualized learning. If and individualized learning. - They're not learning skills. They don't learn how to enjoy their bodies.
- They are not learning how to do acrobatics or ballet. No longer learning dance.
- They're not learning skills. They don't learn how to enjoy their bodies.
- They are not learning how to do acrobatics or ballet. No longer learning dance.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So we've learned from that.
- It was certain aspects of just the learning environment itself. ...certain aspects of just the learning
- They learned their ABCs by quoting Scripture.
- If a child can read, the child has the ability to learn and learn to do anything.
- We provide year-round continuous learning rather than shutting down learning for three months of summer
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities.
Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases.
Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- This is about the LEARNS Act that was passed here a few years ago.
- I think you have some LEARNS people that are sitting there and they're doing the LEARNS program, and
- I think you have some learns people that are sitting there and they're doing the learns program, and
- If you're in a DNF school and you go to the LEARNS, you get a one-year voucher.
- They, financially, not just LEARNS, and I'm not against the private schools.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 27th, 2026 at 11:14 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The skills that I learned in FFA did not expire when I graduated high school.
- Every child can learn to work hard, do their best, and never give up.
- And today I learned that many of my Torrance County groups could not come up.
- She has an interest in reading, art, psychology, language learning, and baking.
- She has an interest in reading, art, psychology, language learning, and baking.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 2, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to us, if we fail to learn the lessons of history, we're bound to repeat them.
- to us, if we fail to learn the lessons of history, we're bound to repeat them.
- You must confront it, learn the truth about yourself. It will keep America strong.
- You must confront it, learn the truth about yourself. It will keep America strong.
- So here's what we learned about this lab.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- that the absence of a we have learned that the absence of a statewide<00:05:23.280>
school <00 - plans for every student learning plans for every student has<00:05:38.160>
caused <00:05:38.560 - Work-based<00:10:18.160>
learning <00:10:18.640>sequence <00:10:19.440>aligning - Work-based learning sequence aligning Work-based learning sequence aligning with<00:10:20.160>
Occupational - The Executive Director of Northeast Kingdom Learning Services, a representative from Action Circles,
Summary:
The House took up Senate Bill 313, relating to transforming Vermont’s career technical education system. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development described the bill as part of a broader effort to integrate CTE more fully into Vermont’s education system, with goals including universal access, more consistent admissions and credit policies, better transportation access, updated rules and procedures, and stronger alignment with workforce needs. The committee emphasized that CTE should be treated as a core part of education, not a stand-alone track, and reported the bill favorably 11-0-0 after hearing from education, labor, workforce, fiscal, and CTE stakeholders.
The Committee on Education recommended a few changes, including a typo correction and removal of a legislative working group, explaining that broader education reform work already underway would make a separate working group duplicative. It added a task for the Agency of Education to study how to serve adult diploma students in CTE programs amid federal funding changes, and it supported the bill with an amendment vote of 10-0-1. The Committee on Appropriations said the fiscal impact could not yet be estimated because it depends on future rulemaking, and it recommended the bill ought to pass in concurrence as amended by a vote of 10-0-1.
The House adopted the Education Committee amendment, then adopted a further amendment offered by Representative Bartley and others that incorporated language from S. 230 while removing a solicitation provision related to Department of Corrections property. The House then agreed to propose the amended bill to the Senate, ordered third reading, suspended rules to place the bill in all remaining stages of passage, passed S. 313 in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and suspended rules again to message its action to the Senate forthwith. The House then recessed until 1:00 p.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/16/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The learning target the learning target.
- Everyone's right to learn.
- Everyone's right to learn.
- I'm not going to learn tablet all day. I'm not going to learn from<01:42:55.600>
that. - learning. They're not going to school. learning. They're not going to school.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Mar 11th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll tell you something I was told when my son was first diagnosed with autism and something I've learned
- And finally relating to early learning, the bill gives school districts the authority to oversee And
- finally relating to early learning, the bill gives school districts the authority to oversee their own
- They will still be monitored by our early learning coalitions.
- And I'm also glad that we're looking at proficiency and we're also looking at learning gains because
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and observed a moment of silence for Senator Geraldine Thompson. The committee first took up CS/SB 102, a bill by Senator Gates directing the Department of Education to develop a workforce credential program for students with autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum, in coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Supporters said the bill would help autistic students gain job skills and workplace safety credentials, while an opponent argued the bill should clearly make participation voluntary, expand to other exceptional student groups, include funding, and add stronger accountability. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 166, the Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools bill by Senator Simon. The bill would reduce or remove several state mandates and give districts more flexibility on testing, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, audits, facilities planning, emergency make-up days, federal fund use, and public VPK oversight. Senators asked about the impact on student proficiency, teacher evaluations, and the transfer of public VPK oversight to districts; Simon said the tests would remain but count as 30 percent of the grade, districts would retain flexibility in evaluation measures, and only public VPK would shift to districts. Public testimony was largely supportive, with some speakers praising reduced testing and local control, while one senator cautioned that Florida still has a math proficiency problem. The bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 296 by Senator Bradley, which would repeal the 2023 statewide mandate requiring later middle and high school start times and return the decision to local districts, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation and consider later start times. Supporters argued the mandate created transportation, staffing, and scheduling problems and that local control was more practical, while opponents emphasized sleep science and the benefits of later start times for teens. Several senators discussed the tension between research and district resources, and the bill sponsor said the measure preserves the conversation about sleep while allowing local scheduling decisions. CS/SB 296 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- respective universities do partner with us to share their expertise in the science of how students learn
- Our new Healthy Lives program also offers a more intensive science learning core, along with career and
- Young's Healthy Lives initiative is to create and provide a planned continuum of K-8 learning experiences
- We are also intentionally expanding and diversifying science learning opportunities for our K-8 students
- We are also intentionally expanding and diversifying science learning opportunities for our K-8 students
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary met to receive an update from Florida developmental research lab schools on articulated health care programs created under the Live Healthy initiative and Senate Bill 76. Chair Calatayud opened the meeting, confirmed a quorum, and heard presentations from P.K. Young/University of Florida, Florida State University Schools, FAMU Developmental Research School, and Florida Atlantic University Laboratory School. Each school described efforts to build K-12-to-postsecondary health care pathways, expand dual enrollment and industry certifications, and share replicable curriculum models with other districts.
FSU Schools highlighted its HERO program, including CNA and food manager certifications, dual enrollment growth, reserve seating at colleges, and a paid internship with the Department of Health tied to emergency shelter operations. P.K. Young described its Healthy Lives Blueprint, which combines K-8 wellness experiences, a new high school health and human performance pathway, AP and science course expansion, a planned gymnasium redesign, and partnerships with Santa Fe College and UF. FAMU DRS reported growing dual enrollment, partnerships with FAMU, Tallahassee State, and Lively, and a goal of serving at least 100 students and 40 staff through health career exposure, certifications, and AA/AS pathways.
FAU Lab School described a more advanced model that integrates elementary through high school research and health science experiences, including biotechnology, bioengineering, and partnerships with health and research institutions. The school reported 87 peer-reviewed student publications, more than $350,000 in student grants, six patents, and pipelines into FAU’s medical and nursing programs, including a Med Direct pathway and a National Merit Scholar pipeline. Committee members asked about student readiness for nursing programs, dual enrollment, articulation with state colleges, and how the lab school models could be disseminated statewide. The meeting concluded with praise for the programs and a motion by Senator Fine to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Fri Jan 10, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:09:55.360>
to their aspirations from early learning to their aspirations from early learning - early childhood development and learning early childhood development and learning experiences<01
- family perspective so that we can learn family perspective so that we can learn what<02:00:17.440
- forward to what we're going to learn forward to what we're going to learn from<02:00:40.400>
- <02:23:40.680>
how <02:23:40.840>to learning how to code and learning how to learning
Summary:
The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding.
Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support.
A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.