Othello School District briefed on federal education orders, state guidance and funding risks

Superintendent Pete Perez told the Othello School District Board of Directors that recent presidential executive orders and a U.S. Department of Education "Dear Colleague" letter have created confusion about what steps local school districts must take and what powers the federal government can exercise.

Perez said many of the federal actions are executive orders that direct agencies to set policy but do not, by themselves, change federal law. He summarized video comments and a written letter from the state superintendent (Reykdal) telling districts to "hold your horses" and follow state guidance while agencies interpret federal direction. "We get calls saying, 'Are we doing that tomorrow?'" Perez said. "It's not how it works."

Nut graf: The presentation sought to clarify what Othello can and will do amid national direction on topics including diversity, equity and inclusion, immigration enforcement and potential funding threats — and to explain which decisions…