The South Dakota Board of Education Standards voted to continue accreditation for Oglala Lakota College's educator preparation program for seven years, requiring a one-year follow-up on two areas for improvement; the motion passed 6-0 with one abstention.

The department reported receiving 22 open accreditation measures with a 45-business-day response window (target Dec. 11) and told the board staff will propose a plan in December to stagger six board-member terms that currently end simultaneously.

Board heard that the agency's voluntary agency review (VAR) by the New York Office of Children and Family Services is scheduled for October and that COA reaccreditation is planned for June 2027; staff described the scope and timeline of both reviews.

Staff said the accreditation cycle this year is a narrative-only Higher Learning Commission submission with a June final narrative deadline; the college also described an AI working group and a Microsoft Copilot pilot for secure operational use.

Jonathan, the aquarium executive director, told the committee about animal sourcing (about 95% procured), transport planning and participation in Species Survival Program work; staff said accreditation ("AA") and species-specific reviews will govern which animals are used in touch exhibits.

On July 8, 2026 the Davenport City Council voted to adopt the Davenport Fire Department's Standards of Cover for the 2026 accreditation cycle after Fire Chief presented the nearly 160-page community risk assessment and emphasized that the document does not mandate deployment or budget changes.

Deputy director Pat O’Mara said the department applied for CAPRA accreditation, completed an on‑site review in late May and was informed the reviewers will recommend accreditation; a final report is due mid‑month and staff will begin implementing standards changes.

During the HCAI Song‑Brown webinar, presenters clarified account roles and recent portal changes, confirmed that one person fills each signatory role, allowed multiple applications per organization for different specialties, and stressed applicants must provide sponsoring institution letters or proof of ACGME application.

Deans Robert Johnson and Amy Murtha told the Board the university is integrating New Jersey Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School into one Rutgers School of Medicine with LCME accreditation work targeted for completion by June 2027 and a charter class entering summer 2028. Task forces and AAMC support were cited.