Weekly Legislative Update - Friday, June 29, 2018

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

 

K12 Education Legislation Update

Vision Statement:  Every public school student, through access to needed resources and rigor, will graduate ready for post-secondary education and work, prepared to be a globally engaged and productive citizen.


Mission Statement: The State Board of Education will use its constitutional authority to lead and uphold the system of public education in North Carolina that guarantees every student in this state an opportunity to receive a sound basic education.


June 29, 2018       

The Week In Review and What Lies Ahead

Stormy GA 2

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.  


State Board of Education Confirmations

SBE-ReggieKenan NCGA Confirmation 2018

 

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

 

Classroom

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.


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:

  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 


    DPI Logo

    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.


    Legislative Calendar

    The General Assembly House and Senate stand adjourned to reconvene on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at 12:00 noon.


    North Carolina General Assembly 

    ONLINE RESOURCES:


      STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION CONTACT INFORMATION:

      • Cecilia Holden  –  Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Initiatives  |  919-807-3406
      • Anne Murtha  –  Legislative Specialist  |  919-807-3403
      • 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.