On September 10, 2026, the PA State Board of Education held its 393rd meeting at PDE headquarters in Harrisburg and via Zoom.

Meeting presentations began with PA Office of Elementary and Secondary Education(OESE) Deputy Sec Amy Lena reporting that the PA School Code Implementation Guide is now online and available to provide guidance regarding legislative changes to the School Code and that meetings with LEAs are going well as OESE seeks to educate stakeholders regarding the changes.

Sec. Lena also provided an update on the four regional stakeholder meetings that were held regarding state standards. During those meetings, there was a definite consistency in themes that emerged. For example, it was felt that there is a need to change standards in a changing world. It was also deemed important to provide instruction regarding the proper and effective use of technology in schools. It was further felt that all standards be open to review in light of a rapidly changing world.

PDE Bureau of Special Education Director Dr. Carole Clancy followed with her annual Report on Special Education Due Process Hearings and Gifted Education Complaints and Compliance Monitoring. In 2025-26, there were 936 requests for due process of which 510 were settled, 175 were withdrawn, 54 were dismissed, and 129 were still active. Of the 68 due process decisions rendered, 42 were in favor of the LEA, 16 favored the parent, and 10 were mixed. The top complaints received were IEP implementation, evaluation report quality, and compensatory education.

With regard to Gifted Ed. complaints, Dr. Clancy reported that there were 13, of which four remain open and nine were resolved. In addition, there were 11 requests for due process. Of those, one remains open, one was settled, four were withdrawn, and nine were decided. Eight of those decisions favored the LEA and one favored the parent. There was also one request for waiver and 10 school districts were monitored during 2025-26. The top complaints were the quality of evaluation, the provision of GIEP services, and student placement.

PA Ed. Sec. Dr. Carrie Rowe reported from the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC. She reported that, due to the signing of the 2026-27 state budget on July 12th, there were a number of positive funding outcomes. Early childhood education saw an increase in Pre-K Counts funding; $526M was earmarked for K-12 tax equity and adequacy funding to help “underfunded” school districts; universal free breakfast was continued; funding was provided for more counselors and mental health professionals; and funding was added to help bolster the pipeline to fill staff vacancies. Also attached to the passing of the budget was the codification of recess (30 minutes for K-5; 15 minutes for half-day K; and no denial due to disciplinary issues). Also attached was the ability for CTE schools to administer NOCTI exams to 11th grade students, as deemed appropriate, which expands opportunities for students. The spending bill also codified student bi-literacy proficiency whereby students can receive a seal for proficiency in both English and another language. Lastly, the General Assembly will seek school facility information to help determine how to address needs throughout the commonwealth.

Next, the Board heard a presentation by PDE Director of the Bureau of Curriculum, Assessment & Instruction Brian Campbell regarding Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) Standards on the determination of assessment proficiency cut scores.

The Board then heard a report by Dr. Rowe regarding a Sullivan County School District request for waiver of the suspension of administrative staff. This would allow the furlough of staff due to economic issues without the requirement to furlough an administrator position.

The Board unanimously approved the following action items:
-Pennsylvania Policy Performance Level Descriptors
-Performance Level Descriptors for the Biology Keystone Exam and the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment for Science in Grade 5 and Grade 8
-Cut Scores for the Biology Keystone Exam and the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment for Science in Grade 5 and Grade 8

The Board ended the meeting by failing to approve the Secretary of Education’s determination to approve the Sullivan County School District’s request for waiver of the suspension of administrative staff.