The Empower the D.C. State Board of Education Amendment Act of 2025 aims to enhance the authority of the D.C. State Board of Education (State Board) by allowing it to initiate and amend policy actions related to education, which are currently limited to proposals initiated by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). The bill proposes to amend the Public Education Reform Amendment Act of 2007 by inserting provisions that enable the State Board to not only approve or disapprove policy actions but also to propose amendments to them. Additionally, it establishes a new process requiring OSSE to provide a work plan or a statement of opposition within a specified timeframe when the State Board initiates a policy action.

This legislation seeks to create a more democratic and accountable relationship between the State Board and OSSE, ensuring that the perspectives of elected board members are respected and that their time and efforts are valued in the policymaking process. If the Council does not affirm OSSE's opposition to a policy action initiated by the State Board, the proposed action will proceed, thereby reinforcing the State Board's role as a representative voice for the educational needs of the community. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency and collaboration in the District's educational governance.