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, rather than solely approving or disapproving proposals from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Currently, the State Board can only vote on matters brought to it by OSSE, which limits its ability to influence educational policy effectively. The proposed legislation seeks to create a more collaborative relationship between the State Board and OSSE, ensuring that the perspectives of the State Board, which is elected by constituents, are respected and considered in the policymaking process.

Key changes in the bill include the insertion of the phrase "or amendment" to allow the State Board to amend policy proposals and the establishment of a new subsection that requires OSSE to provide a work plan or a statement of opposition within a specified timeframe after the State Board initiates a policy action. If the Council does not affirm OSSE's opposition within 120 days, the policy action will proceed. This legislation is designed to create checks and balances in the relationship between the State Board and OSSE, improve transparency, and ensure that the educational needs of the community are addressed more effectively.