Richland 1 board adopts 2026 legislative platform

The Richland 1 Board of School Commissioners on Jan. 27 unanimously approved the district’s 2026 legislative platform after the administration recommended removing two accountability-related statements.

Ms. York, who led the presentation, said the administration reviewed the previous year’s platform and proposed edits under the accountability section. One proposed deletion removes a position that the administration said is no longer an issue for the district; another removes wording that directed the State Board of Education on how to address a matter so the platform could focus on the district’s position instead of prescribing state action.

The administration recommended approval and said it would produce a printed and electronic brochure to share with district stakeholders, including the legislative delegation, and post the final platform on the district website. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the platform; Commissioner Devine seconded the motion and the board approved it unanimously.

The district said the brochure will be distributed to stakeholders and posted online once finalized. No specific statutory references beyond noting the platform relates to education policy matters were discussed in detail at the meeting. The board did not request additional amendments before adopting the platform.

What’s next: district staff said an electronic version will be posted quickly and a printed brochure will follow.