Governmental affairs chair briefs board on multiple education bills under consideration

Robin Nelson, chair of the Fargo Board of Education’s Governmental Affairs Committee, summarized several recent bill hearings and new filings at the Jan. 14 board meeting, urging members to expect frequent updates as the Legislature’s bill‑filing period continues.

Nelson reported that House Bill 1100, addressing school meal funding for delinquent meal debt, was heard with speakers in favor but the committee made no recommendation either way. She said House Judiciary received testimony on a bill identified as 1145 regarding displays of the Ten Commandments; six people spoke for requiring the Ten Commandments in schools and six opposed it. Nelson noted that compliance would require a substantial number of posters and described specific sizing mentioned by testifiers (an 11-by-14 poster size and font specifications).

Other bills Nelson highlighted included House Bill 1333, which would require at least 30 minutes for school lunch and would affect teacher negotiation contract language about length of school day; a bill numbered 1214 addressing weighted ADM payments for special-education transportation; a filing numbered 1288 related to school compliance with state law (Nelson said it may be directed at Fargo); 1387, which would require schools to close on election days if elections are held in a school; and 1369, an item relating to ADM (average daily membership) payments. Nelson described a rapid inflow of bills and said many were filed within the previous two days; she noted the last day for bills to be filed is Jan. 20.

Nelson said she expects to continue sending frequent email updates to the board so members can be prepared to respond to constituent questions and legislative inquiries.