Board adopts legislative slate; moves dyslexia screening bill (SB 691) from watch to support

District staff and outside capital-advisory partners presented a recommended slate of state K–12 bills for Board of Education positions, with background analysis, fiscal considerations and staff recommendations.

Key recommended supports included AB 247 (statewide facilities bond vehicle), AB 483 (reforms to participation/audit process), and bills related to special education. Staff noted the district’s practice of allowing the superintendent to take positions between meetings and then seek ratification by the board.

Commissioners discussed SB 691 (dyslexia risk screening) in detail. Commissioner Fisher moved to amend the slate, shifting SB 691 from the watch category to support. Commissioners debated implementation and funding concerns raised by CTA and bilingual-education advocates, including risk of uneven implementation without dedicated funding and potential misidentification of English learners without appropriate training. Capital advisers said the bill promotes earlier screening, training, and support but noted prior gubernatorial vetoes and potential mandate‑reimbursement issues. The amendment to move SB 691 to support passed on roll call (4–3). The board then ratified the overall set of legislative positions by roll call (7–0 as recorded).

Staff said the superintendent may take positions as bills evolve, with formal ratification at future board meetings.