The Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2025 aims to enhance the governance of public charter schools in the District of Columbia by mandating a no-cost training program for newly elected or appointed members of a Board of Trustees. This training, which must be completed within 90 days of a member's election or appointment and repeated annually, will cover essential topics such as instruction and academic programs, personnel management, fiscal management, operations, governance, and relevant federal and District laws and regulations. The legislation recognizes the critical role effective governance plays in the stability and success of charter schools, particularly in light of past governance lapses that have led to school closures and disruptions in students' education.

To implement this initiative, the bill amends the District of Columbia School Reform Act of 1995 by adding a new subsection that outlines the training requirements. The Public Charter School Board, in coordination with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, will be responsible for offering this training starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill reflects a growing trend in other jurisdictions, such as Florida, Nevada, and New Jersey, which have established similar training requirements to ensure that charter school boards are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective oversight and governance.