Staff reports 99.65% compliance; Board staff launches weekly 'licensure compliance learning commons'

Karen, the Board's licensure compliance lead, presented the 2026 licensure compliance report and described a new weekly support program for districts.

Karen told the Board that 5,534 public school districts and educational organizations submitted STAR (Staff Automated Reporting) data and that the statewide unduplicated headcount decreased slightly from last year (a difference of 117); she reported a 99.65% compliance rate for districts with licensure requirements. "Collectively, districts achieved a 99.65% compliance rate with licensure requirements," Karen said.

To support district staff and reduce reporting errors, Karen described a new "licensure compliance learning commons" — two one-hour Webex sessions each week that will offer short, focused presentations and real-time question-and-answer support. The program will be recorded to build a reference library for districts.

Board members praised the outreach approach. Chair Lucy Payne and Dr. Bailey both noted the learning-commons sessions are intended to be collaborative, nonpunitive assistance to district staff — particularly useful given turnover in HR and data roles.

The staff will publish meeting links on the Board's website calendar and promote sessions through regular communications; the sessions are open to district staff and use a Webex link hosted by Karen's team.

Next steps: staff will continue the learning-commons schedule, maintain the recording library for STAR-related guidance, and report back to the Board as the program matures.