Transcript Highlights:

• That's up to the local school board, and that's what local control is.
• these local decisions and also respecting those local decisions.
• That's up to the local school board, and that's what local control is.
• these local decisions and also respecting those local decisions.
• </c> share what they're doing at their local share what they're doing at their local districts<00:13:

Transcript Highlights:

• Down payment assistance funds used by local IDAs are generated through capital markets or local resources
• And when that superintendent has other obligations, it could impact the ability for the superintendent
• And when that superintendent has other obligations, it could impact the ability for the superintendent
• If the superintendent wanted to...
• And maybe he should even run for superintendent, because... ...he should even run for superintendent,

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Superintendent. Mr.
• Chair, Superintendent. Mr.
• Chair, Superintendent. Mr.
• Chair, Superintendent.
• It is with a local vendor. All of our vehicles are local.

Transcript Highlights:

• economy and the local economy.
• 23 school district superintendents in Riverside County.
• I've also served on my local school board for four years.
• Derek Lennox and the California County superintendents.
• I am a retired superintendent.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I wonder, because I've heard... ...from some of the local superintendents, that there is a large number
• Unified, both as longtime CFO, as deputy superintendent, as interim superintendent, and also with the
• Unified, both as longtime CFO, as deputy superintendent, as interim superintendent, and also with the
• county superintendents.
• superintendents.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Authority and thank you superintendent Authority and thank you superintendent Carrie<00:20:40.640
• </c><00:38:00.040><c> who</c> why I I we have a superintendent who why I I we have a superintendent who
• </c><00:48:37.400><c> bringing</c> appreciate the superintendent bringing appreciate the superintendent
• So currently there are two tiers of the local option revenue, with a mix of state aid and local levy
• He added that there are currently two tiers of local option revenue, with a mix of state aid and local

Bills: HF827 , HF1258 , HF2387 , HF2388 , HF2534 , HF2016

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: education, school funding, consolidation aid, financial support, Minnesota Statutes, education finance, ice arena, school districts, cooperation agreement, equal sports opportunities, school milk program, nutrition, food waste, kindergarten, public schools, supplemental revenue, charter schools, funding, state appropriations, general education funding

Transcript Highlights:

• The love of local schools is one of them.
• They love their local schools.
• The superintendent would like to come... So the superintendent would like to come up?
• Debbie Critchfield, State Superintendent.
• Thank you, Superintendent. Do you know if the NEA is involved in this in any way? Superintendent.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that ICE was joined by state and local that ICE was joined by state and local law<00:54:49.760><
• </c><00:56:48.000><c> law</c> If you ask our state and local law If you ask our state and local law enforcement
• But the superintendent or designee must not obstruct law enforcement by ignoring their request.
• <01:03:01.440><c> Association,</c> Superintendent Association, Superintendent Association, the<01:03:
• <c> designate</c><01:13:40.800><c> shall</c> two, superintendent or designate shall two, superintendent

Transcript Highlights:

• It could be an assistant superintendent, or it could be the superintendent.
• , and in some, it would be the superintendent.
• And I've worked with great superintendents and other superintendents.
• And then I have a current superintendent who I meet with monthly.
• And it's also for superintendents.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 3532 and House Bill 3483, which were combined by amendment into a House Committee Substitute. Representative Kelly explained the amendment corrected a clerical error and merged the two bill strings; members discussed removing the phrase “public school” so the measure would apply more broadly. The committee adopted the amendment and substitute, then voted the combined House Committee Substitute do pass by a 16-0 roll call vote, sending it next to the Rules Committee and then potentially to the House floor. The committee then heard House Bill 2965, sponsored by Representative Bosley, which would require Missouri students to complete one unit each of Black history and Black literature before graduation, with standards and model curriculum developed by the State Board of Education. Bosley argued the bill would provide a fuller and more accurate account of American history, improve student engagement and outcomes, and empower all students. Supporters from the NAACP and committee members praised the goal, but several members raised concerns about making the courses graduation requirements, the burden on transfer students, and whether the bill should instead be tied to existing social studies credits or broader K-12 standards. No opposition testimony was offered. Finally, the committee heard House Bills 2126 and 2197, presented together as similar measures on building-level administrator evaluations. The sponsors said the bills would require annual evaluations of principals and other building administrators, set a March 1 timeline for renewal or nonrenewal decisions, and allow administrators with at least five consecutive years to request written reasons if their contracts are not renewed. Committee members and witnesses generally supported regular evaluations and timely notice, but several questioned whether the bills were too restrictive on reasons for nonrenewal and whether the language created a kind of tenure-like protection. Supporters from principals’ groups, Missouri NEA, and Missouri State Teachers Association backed the bills, emphasizing fairness, feedback, and professional growth. The hearing concluded without a vote on these two bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• And thanks, Superintendent Buckmeyer.
• And Superintendent Bocke. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Superintendent Bachmeier, quick question.
• We want to have schools operating under a local school board with a local superintendent without the
• We want to have schools operating under a local school board with a local superintendent without the
• About a third of that training has been provided by local districts who have... ...been provided by local

Committee: Joint Education Committee

Summary: The meeting focused heavily on dual credit programming across North Dakota, with presentations from Valley City State University, Lake Region State College, Fargo Public Schools, and teachers from West Fargo and Drake-Anamoose. Speakers described dual credit as a way to give high school students college-level rigor, reduce future tuition costs, and help students explore academic and career pathways. Several presenters emphasized that strong local relationships between colleges and school districts are central to program quality, especially in rural areas where access to advanced coursework can be limited. Valley City State University outlined its quality-control model, including annual teacher trainings, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty evaluations, qualification standards, school visits, and a goal of building 24-credit College Studies Certificates. The university reported about 504 students in the fall and 559 in the spring, with roughly 5,539 projected credit hours and about 130 students expected to earn the 24-credit certificate. Members asked about faculty qualifications, online versus in-person delivery, student retention, revenue, and whether a more centralized statewide model might be more efficient; the presenter said centralization could reduce duplication but might weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College described a broader regional model, with about 913 dual credit students last fall across 44 school districts, roughly half of them taking online college courses and half taking face-to-face courses taught by qualified high school teachers serving as adjuncts. The college said it has paid for graduate credits to help teachers meet credentialing requirements and reimburses districts for teacher support and materials. Fargo Public Schools reported 50 dual credit courses through multiple higher-ed partners, 1,571 enrollments, and a 12.61% increase in participation, while also raising concerns about inconsistent registration systems, credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity across institutions. Teachers from West Fargo and Drake-Anamoose reinforced the value of dual credit, while noting concerns about retention in foundational science courses and the importance of maintaining rigor and support for students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tara Armstrong, Superintendent. Samantha Dodson, the business manager. Thank you.
• Are you talking about, is there a new superintendent?
• But so it was a superintendent that had no—he is not.
• Zarayton On Bowes, interim superintendent. My name is Brad Beavers.
• Of this amount, charges were made by the superintendent, which included $3,464 charged at local restaurants

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Summary: The committee met to review education audit reports and heard responses from several school districts with findings. Camden Fairview School District was cited for using operating funds for an end-of-year employee awards banquet and for unauthorized credit card charges that caused a small loss; district officials said the current administration had strengthened controls, stopped the banquet practice, and improved monthly credit card reconciliation. Members questioned whether the prior officials were still employed, whether the credit card issue was an outside hack, and how teacher appreciation could continue without using district funds. Forest City School District was cited for spending about $33,000 on an off-campus staff celebration and entertainment event; district representatives said the money came from long-standing Pepsi-related donation funds, that the event was intended to recognize staff and growth, and that they would change practices and receive training going forward. Members discussed whether those funds were private donations or operational funds, and staff said the district’s accounting treatment made them subject to the constitutional restriction at issue. The committee also reviewed several other findings. Conway School District was referred for an ongoing investigative report involving misuse of district funds and resources by former maintenance employees. Magnolia School District had undeposited activity funds totaling more than $21,000, tied to a resigned high school secretary and sponsor receipts not deposited. Westside School District had about $30,000 in credit card charges lacking documentation or business purpose, including charges by the superintendent, personal purchases, and items shipped to personal addresses; the matter was referred to the prosecuting attorney. Boonville School District was cited for paying a board member’s son more than the statutory limit for seasonal groundskeeping without the required exemption, and DESE later denied the exemption request. After discussing those cases, the committee filed the remaining eight findings en masse and then filed the 89 reports with no findings. Members noted that most school districts audited had clean reports and encouraged districts to continue good practices while learning from the findings discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any permanent repairs we cannot do on behalf of the local entity. so our efforts with local roads is
• There's been a lot of discussion locally.
• government, it takes local leaders, local staff, to actually implement that on the ground.
• So I'm going to talk a little bit about what local forest management looks like with local bodies and
• The superintendent has called that meeting.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the Deputy Superintendent at the North Dakota Department of Public Construction.
• I am the Deputy Superintendent at the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.
• We both served together on the Mandan School Board before she was elected as state superintendent.
• And that means that this year they had a superintendent turnover, actually mid-year, and their new superintendent—and
• And so I'll just make it local. So in our work... Peril, right? And so, I'll just make it local.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The meeting began with a student performance from Horizon Middle School Show Choir, including songs from an eighth grade concert and the show choir piece “The Body Electric.” After the performance, Deputy Superintendent Donna Fishbeck spoke on behalf of State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler in support of music education, emphasizing its benefits for creativity, collaboration, school climate, and student development, and noting the department’s support for music grants and professional development. She also highlighted the North Dakota Music Educators Association’s role in expanding access and quality in music education. The committee then heard a presentation from Vital Network, introduced as a DPI-funded effort focused on teacher retention. Nate Eklund and Dr. Aaron Rob described the organization’s work with schools and districts to reduce educator burnout by improving workplace conditions, especially around time management, voice in decision-making, and care/support. They said the program uses surveys, dashboards, advisory support, and facilitated school and district processes to identify local friction points and help educators and leaders solve them, with examples ranging from simplifying material requests to improving PLC time and communication. They stressed that retention is driven more by workplace conditions than pay alone, and that solutions must be local rather than one-size-fits-all. Members asked about rural teacher overload, sustainability after grant funding ends, and whether the model could inform broader policy or continuing education reforms. Vital representatives said the work is designed to be embedded in district systems and strategic plans so it can continue beyond their direct involvement, and that the approach aligns with the state’s teacher retention and recruitment task force recommendations. They reported serving about half of North Dakota educators across roughly 50 districts, with partnerships through regional education associations to reach rural areas. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Local context.
• My former superintendent, Mr.
• There was a new transformation in the superintendent.
• So that's essentially helping local school districts because they cannot afford their local Match when
• districts than Would be generated through the state local match formula.

Transcript Highlights:

• To the full Senate, local center, Bettencourt moves that Senate Bill 1085 be recommended for the local
• You go to local? Does it have a fiscal note?
• Local. Or local?
• Local. local that this committee substitute for Senate Bill 1409 be sent to Local and uncontested.
• As investigations began, local law enforcement determined that when the superintendent learned of the

Bills: SB604 , SB843 , SB1636 , SB2395 , SB571 , SB1224 , SB1832 , SB2392 , SB747 , SB2623 , SB2624 , SB2185

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• Superintendent Miles. Yes, Mike Miles, superintendent. North Forest.
• Thank you, Superintendent. Senator Bettencourt.
• And you've proven that this can be done, and I think every Superintendent wants to improve the superintendent
• And also, I was one of the superintendents who reached out to Superintendent Miles to geek out with him
• There's no local.

Bills: SB451 , SB762 , SB1490 , SB1262 , SB1459 , SB1750 , SB1962 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2365

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• And Superintendent Bocke. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Superintendent Bachmeier, quick question.
• So we do have some part-time superintendents.
• We want to have schools operating under a local school board with a local superintendent without the
• We want to have schools operating under a local school board with a local superintendent without the
• About a third of that training has been provided by local districts who have Has been provided by local

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families. Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions. Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:02:46.560><c> they</c> So, I know with a superintendent, they So, I know with a superintendent
• ,</c><00:03:22.840><c> they</c> superintendent something different, they superintendent something different
• And in And you local school districts.
• and you want to keep that superintendent and you want to keep that superintendent<00:04:38.800><c> and
• </c> I'm going to let uh Superintendent I'm going to let uh Superintendent Parker<00:08:49.640><c> talk

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Bills: HR42 , HR43 , HR44 , HR45 , HCR22 , HCR23 , HCR24 , HCR25 , HCR26 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR29 , HCR30 , HB894 , HB983 , HB984 , HR39 , HR40 , HR41 , HCR19 , HCR20 , HCR21 , HB2 , HB3 , HB15 , HB441 , HB976 , HB977 , HB978 , HB979 , HB980 , HB981 , HB982 , HB129 , HB130 , HB287 , HB489 , HB521 , HB545 , HB553 , HB555 , HB570 , HB670 , HB672 , HB797 , HB854 , HB952 , HB207 , HB300 , HB331 , HB428 , HB464 , HB587 , HB618 , HB629 , HB801 , HB853 , HB891 , HB474 , HB487 , HB503 , HB606 , HB633 , HB707 , HB720 , HB728 , HB733 , HB846 , HB852 , HB856 , HB868 , HB875 , HB112 , HB657 , HB221 , HB149 , HB901 , HB148 , HB354

Keywords: women, chemistry industry, Louisiana, recognition, workforce, commendation, leadership, faith, community service, Bishop Weidner, log truck drivers, transportation safety, log industry, pastor, Church of Pentecost, forestry, tree farming, W.H. Ward Properties, community support, Louisiana Forestry Association

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the superintendent, Superintendent Evans, we take that one.
• So Superintendent Evans will begin with you, and again I’m going to ask folks as Superintendent Evans
• </c> commissioner Olsen and superintendent commissioner Olsen and superintendent Evans<00:52:41.640><
• Now, I've spoken with both Commissioner Arnold and Superintendent Evans, and Superintendent Evans has
• Now, I've spoken with both Commissioner Arnold and Superintendent Evans, and Superintendent Evans has

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy