October 27, 2024
During the DPO Education Caucus meeting, Senator Michael Dembrow, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, provided a legislative update emphasizing the potential for a Democratic supermajority in the Senate and the impending focus on a significant transportation package alongside educational funding challenges, including an adjustment of $515 million to the education budget’s Current Service Level (CSL). The discussion highlighted a proposal to raise the special education funding cap from 11% to 16% amid workforce retention issues, particularly affecting teachers of color and special education staff, and the anticipated impact of declining enrollment on per-student funding. The meeting also focused on the integration of climate change education and the need for legislative follow-up on passed bills, alongside suggestions for enhancing oversight of education policies through independent assessments of fiscal impacts. Additionally, participants discussed the handling of potentially controversial bills and the need for district policies on cell phone usage in schools. Action items included reaching out to legislators and developing strategies to address contentious issues.