Bill > SB256

This bill modifies training requirements for county board of education members in several key ways. It increases the annual training requirement from 7 to 12 hours, now explicitly including fiscal management topics and adding specific federal education laws like the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The bill authorizes the State Board to require additional training for board members if deemed beneficial. For newly elected or appointed members, the bill mandates an orientation training between election and the start of their term, with a 30-day grace period for those unable to attend initially. The bill also adds the chairs of the House and Senate Education Committees as ex officio members of the county board member training standards review committee. Regarding compensation, board members may still receive up to $260 per meeting, but those who do not complete required training will be ineligible for compensation until they cure their training default, which can now be done within six months instead of the previous three months. Additionally, the State Superintendent is now required to provide an annual report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability detailing training activities, participation, and board meetings.