Several 9th District school systems begin next week, and the rest begin the following week. Teachers and school administrators are the backbone of our local communities, striving to raise good men, women and citizens. Parents should watch for information from their local school division explaining how the policy will be implemented and what it means for students and families this school year. SB 498 (2026) implements recommendations from the Commission on School Construction and Modernization by directing state agencies to identify and promote cost-saving practices for local school construction projects. Investments in our youth and local communities are indispensable to our aim of producing good citizens with civic virtue at the forefront.