North Dakota Senate Bill SB2254

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/26/23
• Report Pass: 2/7/23
• Engrossed: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/17/23
• Report Pass: 3/29/23
• Enrolled: 4/17/23
• Passed: 4/24/23

Caption

Intervention by the superintendent of public instruction for a chronically low-performing school or school district; to provide a report; and to declare an emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB2254 would mandate the superintendent to assess chronically low-performing schools and districts to develop tailored improvement plans. These plans may include financial directives, curriculum adjustments, and staff reassignments to address specific educational shortcomings. Furthermore, the legislation requires annual reporting on the implementation of these interventions, thereby fostering transparency and continuous oversight within the education system. This comprehensive approach aims to uplift educational standards and promote student engagement, which has substantial implications for educational policy in North Dakota.

Summary

Senate Bill 2254 focuses on addressing the issues faced by chronically low-performing schools and school districts in North Dakota. It aims to empower the superintendent of public instruction to directly intervene in situations where schools are consistently underperforming. The primary goal is to ensure that students receive adequate educational services and make significant progress in academic achievement. The bill outlines clear definitions of what constitutes a chronically low-performing school or district and establishes accountability measures for the superintendent.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2254 was generally supportive among educators and advocates for educational equity, as they see it as a vital step toward addressing systemic issues in underperforming schools. However, there may be some contention regarding the extent of intervention by state authorities and the nature of the proposed solutions. Critics may express concerns about the potential overreach of state power in local school matters and the effectiveness of prescribed improvement plans without the involvement of local stakeholders.

Contention

The implementation of SB2254 could lead to debates over the appropriate level of state intervention versus local control in educational matters. While supporters assert that the bill provides necessary support for struggling schools, opponents may argue that it risks undermining local governance and ignores the unique context of individual schools and communities. The need for collaboration between local education leaders and state officials will be crucial to the success of the measures proposed in this legislation.