NCSBA Legislative Update – August 25, 2023

While the NC General Assembly continued its summer pause this week with no meetings or legislative sessions, budget negotiations did continue. Leadership from both chambers has indicated that they hope to achieve final passage of the state budget the week of September 11th.

In the meantime, the NCSBA Government Relations team continues to work with legislative leaders and staff on implementation issues surrounding SB 49: Parents’ Bill of Rights (SL 2023-106).

WNCN: ‘Timing Issues’ Implementing NC Parental Rights Law As School Starts

On both issues, the budget and SB49, we’ll certainly keep you updated with the latest information.

The following is the Consortium of State School Boards Association’s (COSSBA) most recent federal education report. The United States Congress is enjoying its annual August recess and as such, federal activity is very light.

August 21, 2023 Headlines From the Weekly Report Include:

Federal School Safety Resources Highlighted: Four federal cabinet agencies have launched a public awareness campaign to highlight the various federal school safety resources that are available. The Department of Homeland Security, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice announced the campaign in a press release.

The release stated, “Through the campaign, the Administration will educate school administrators and personnel, teachers, parents and guardians, and state and local government officials about school safety resources available at SchoolSafety.gov. The goal is to advance the mission and maximize the benefits of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) by accelerating and enhancing the implementation of programs and initiatives that will help families, communities, and schools build capacity and establish and expand successful school safety strategies. The campaign is being launched for the back-to-school season to ensure schools have the tools they need to create and sustain welcoming, safe, and supportive learning environments for students and educators.”

 

 

The following are recent news articles, reports, and press releases on state and national education-related issues.

State News
News & Observer: NC Schools Must Now Follow ‘Parents Bill of Rights.” Here’s How Things Could Change
News & Observer: Wake Still Needs 300 Teachers As School Year Nears. But That’s Good News, Leaders Say
Carolina Journal: Orange County School Impact Fee Fight Appealed to NC Supreme Court
Carolina Journal: Wilson Schools Pension Spiking Ruling Could Impact Other Cases
WFAE: CMS Response To Parents Rights Bill Sparks Praise and Calls For Defiance
WFAE: Education Bills But No Budget; Plus, Back To School Message Barrage
WRAL: AAA – 47% of NC Drivers Admit to Speeding In A School Zone
WRAL: School Districts Vary On Chat GPT, From Embracing It To Suspension
Morganton News Herald: One Book Removed, One Book Stays In Catawba Schools After Heated 5-Hour Meeting
The Center Square: Lightning Rod Leaders (Rep. Cotham, Rep. Torbett) Among 19 Nationally Honored
WNCN: ‘Timing Issues’ Implementing NC Parental Rights Law As School Starts

National News
K-12 Dive: Federal Proposal Could Reshape How Districts Accommodate Pregnant Employees
Axios: Why Schools Across America Are Building Teacher Housing
Education Week: School Districts Prepare for Major Staffing Cuts As ESSR Winds Down
Education Week: 4 Day School Weeks Surge In Popularity Among American Adults

There are no committee meetings until the legislature reconvenes in mid-September.
Bruce Mildwurf
Director of Governmental Relations
NC School Boards Association
bmildwurf@ncsba.org

Madison Skeens
Assistant Director of Governmental Relations
NC School Boards Association
mskeens@ncsba.org

Rob Black
Assistant Director of Governmental Relations
NC School Boards Association
rblack@ncsba.org

Christina DavoileNCSBA Legislative Update – August 25, 2023