The Week In Review and
What Lies Ahead
 The short session has come to a close as of Friday, June 29th and legislators are heading out of town in time to
celebrate Independence Day. The Senate calendar shows
they plan to reconvene November 27, 2018 at noon, prior to the start of the
long session.
During this week,
legislators considered veto overrides on several bills, and in particular HB
374 Regulatory Reform Act of 2018. Several bills also became law in the last several days,
some with and others without the Governor's
signature. In addition, on Thursday, June 28th, legislators heard the
Governor's appointments to the State Board of Education.
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State Board of Education Confirmations
On
Thursday, June 28th, the General Assembly met in a joint session to consider
the appointments to the State Board of Education. Of the three Governor
nominees, legislators unanimously reappointed Reginald Kenan to serve another eight year
term, representing the Southeast Education Region.
The other nominees were John B.
Buxton and Sandra Byrd who were nominated to fill seats currently occupied by
long-term State Board members, Wayne McDevitt and Tricia Willoughby whose terms
expired in March 2017. Mr. McDevitt and Mrs. Willoughby may choose to
continue serving; however, if not, their seats would be vacant until Governor
appointees are confirmed for these areas of the state.
Bills with Action
HR 1102: Study Best Practice/Advanced Ed Opportunities
 The House of
Representatives adopted this resolution on June 28 to create a study committee
for promoting access to advanced educational opportunities in the North
Carolina Public Schools for economically disadvantaged students who demonstrate
high academic achievement. The study commission is to submit a report and
any proposed legislation as a result of its study, to the General Assembly by
December 31, 2018.
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HB
611: Employment Contract Exception
Summarized in a former update, this bill has now become law with the Governor's signature.
HB
670: Protect Educational Property
Summarized in a former update, this bill has now become law with
the Governor's signature.
SB
125: Various Changes to Education
Summarized in a former update, this bill has now become
law with the Governor’s signature.
SB 335: Budget Technical Corrections & Study
This bill corrects various aspects of
the expansion budget, SL 2018-5 and became law this week without the Governor’s
signature. One minor adjustment included is codification of the
Center for Safer Schools.
HB 986: Various Changes to Education Laws
This bill was signed by the Governor and became
law late last week. After several changes, the
final version of this bill includes the
following provisions relating to K-12 education:
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The State Board of Education
and Department of Public Instruction must report on the implementation of
teaching, following the requirements that students learn cursive
writing and multiplication tables.
- If a student scores a 5 on
end-of-year math tests, they must be placed in an advanced math class for
the next year.
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The State Board of Education
must provide performance reports for all educator preparation providers (EPPs) which must allow for easy comparison between EPPs.
- The Superintendent must study
ways to reduce testing in schools.
- The Department of Public
Instruction must develop content standards for mental health training for
educators.
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A new school modeled called the
"Renewal School System" is established. The "Renewal School
System" would allow all schools in a certain low
performing LEA to have increased flexibility.
HB
374: Regulatory Reform Act of 2018
This bill, summarized in this former update, was vetoed by the Governor. In
his veto message, the Governor cited roll backs in environmental protections.
On Wednesday, June 27th, both chambers voted to override the veto, and this
bill has now become law.
 2018 Short Session link for bills impacting K-12 education.
2017 Long Session link for a complete list of bills impacting K-12 education including budget items.
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The General Assembly House and Senate stand adjourned to
reconvene on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at 12:00 noon.
ONLINE RESOURCES:
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION CONTACT INFORMATION:
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Cecilia Holden – Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Initiatives | 919-807-3406
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Anne Murtha – Legislative Specialist | 919-807-3403
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David Smith – Legislative Intern | 919-807-3407
To view previous 2018 Weekly Legislative Updates click here.
The NC Department of Public instruction offers a number of topics for subscription.
- To subscribe to the Weekly Legislative Update, click here.
- To subscribe to other NC Department of Public Instruction topics, click here.
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