Deployed, Not Disqualified: Defending Servicemembers in Our Schools

The House Committee on Education & Workforce held a hearing on August 26, 2026, titled "Deployed, Not Disqualified: Defending Servicemembers in Our Schools." The hearing focused on the challenges faced by military service members who serve in educational roles such as teachers, school board members, and administrators, particularly when deployed. Witnesses discussed the need to protect service members from employment discrimination in schools, promote their leadership as an asset, and support military families' educational needs. Testimony highlighted the importance of federal and state policies that enable military families to access flexible education funding options like education savings accounts and advocated for reforms such as moving school board elections to general election years to increase voter participation. The hearing emphasized the value of integrating military leadership principles into public education and called for greater support and recognition of service members serving in educational roles. No specific procurement or contracting actions were discussed during the hearing.