Senate Education Committee approves four interim study proposals on control, curriculum and student wellness

The Senate Education Committee approved four interim study proposals (ISPs) during the meeting. Chair read each ISP aloud and the committee considered them together before taking a single voice vote to adopt all four.

The four ISPs are:

• ISP 1 (Sen. Elliott): Establish conditions under which a public school district shall be returned to local control.

• ISP 2 (Sen. Elliott): Create a culturally relevant and inclusive education practice advisory committee.

• ISP 3 (Sen. Chesterfield): Require a high‑school student to take a civic education course for two full semesters within the same academic year as a graduation requirement.

• ISP 4 (Sen. Chesterfield): Amend professional development requirements concerning teen suicide awareness and prevention and require public schools to develop procedures addressing mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention.

A motion to adopt the four ISPs together was made and seconded; the committee passed the motion by voice vote with ayes recorded and no substantive opposition recorded in the transcript. The chair said the ISPs "will be put into interim studies" and signaled the committee will handle next steps and scheduling during the interim period.

The committee also confirmed its next regular meeting will be on September 7 at 09:00 and noted an invitation to a Hot Springs facility dedication on the following day.