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B 26-0553

D.C. State Board of Education Expanded Authority Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

Expands DC State Board of Education powers to regulate K-12 standards, oversight of DCPS and charter schools, with new reporting and fiscal roles.

Referred to Committee of the Whole
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Bill Summary · B 26-0553

Summary of Bill B 26-0553: D.C. State Board of Education Expanded Authority Amendment Act of 2025

Overview

Bill B 26-0553, titled the D.C. State Board of Education Expanded Authority Amendment Act of 2025, proposes to broaden the authorities and powers of the District of Columbia State Board of Education (SBOE). The bill is currently in the legislative process, having been introduced by Chairman Mendelson and placed in the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

  • Status: Referred to Committee of the Whole
  • Introduced: December 18, 2025
  • Latest Legislative Action: January 6, 2026 — Referred to Committee of the Whole
  • Notice to Act Published: December 26, 2025 (District of Columbia Register)

Note: The summaries below reflect the intent indicated by the bill’s title and accompanying legislative actions. The specific provisions would be detailed in the bill’s text as enacted or amended.

Purpose and Intent (as suggested by the title)

The bill aims to expand the authority and scope of the District of Columbia State Board of Education. While the exact statutory changes are contained in the bill’s text, typical intent for such expansion may include broadening governance powers, oversight duties, or rulemaking capabilities related to public and charter education in D.C.

Key Provisions (subject to the bill’s text)

Because the full text of B 26-0553 is not provided here, the following areas are commonly affected by “Expanded Authority” measures for a state or territorial Board of Education. Readers should confirm the exact language in the bill:

  • Governance and Rulemaking: Increased ability for SBOE to adopt regulations, standards, or policies governing K-12 education, including curriculum standards, assessment frameworks, and accreditation-related matters.
  • Oversight and Compliance: Expanded authority to oversee DCPS (District of Columbia Public Schools) and charter schools within the District, including compliance monitoring, reporting requirements, and corrective action processes.
  • Budgetary and Fiscal Authority: Potential enhancements to SBOE’s role in fiscal oversight related to education funding, budget development, or earmarked programs.
  • Appointment and Staffing: Provisions that may adjust how SBOE interacts with or appoints staff, advisory committees, or subcommittees (subject to District law and governance rules).
  • Reporting and Accountability: Increased reporting obligations to the Council, the Mayor, or the public; performance benchmarks and annual reporting on student outcomes.
  • Transition Provisions: Rules for phasing in new authorities, timelines for implementing regulatory changes, and any transitional governance structures.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • State Board of Education (SBOE): Likely reception of new or expanded powers, responsibilities, and possible changes to governance processes.
  • District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS): Potential regulatory changes affecting curriculum, standards, or oversight.
  • Charter Schools and Education Providers: If expanded authority affects charter school oversight, performance requirements, or governance interactions.
  • Educators and Administrators: Possible shifts in compliance expectations, reporting duties, or instructional standards.
  • Students and Families: Indirect impacts through updated standards, accountability measures, and potential adjustments to school quality oversight.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduction: December 18, 2025 (Introduced by Chairman Mendelson)
  • Notice to Act: December 26, 2025 (Published in the DC Register)
  • Committee Consideration: January 6, 2026 — Referred to Committee of the Whole
  • Next Steps: The bill would proceed through readings, potential amendments, and votes in the Committee of the Whole and, if approved, movements to full Council consideration and eventual enactment. The exact calendar and deadlines depend on District law and the Council’s docket.

Additional Notes

  • To fully understand the scope and impact, the bill’s full text should be reviewed once available. Exact statutory changes, definitions, funding implications, and implementation timelines remain dependent on the enacted language.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary further once the bill text is released and provide a line-by-line breakdown of provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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