California Assembly Bill AB1761

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/19
• Refer: 3/18/19
• Failed: 2/3/20

Caption

Public schools: accountability: county superintendents of schools.

Impact

The proposed legislation would formalize existing practices while introducing new requirements that county superintendents must adhere to regarding school evaluations. By mandating an annual review of priority schools identified under a multi-measure public school accountability system, AB 1761 aims to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are informed of school conditions. This requirement highlights the need for ongoing assessments and the potential resource implications for county offices as they adapt to the new responsibilities mandated by the bill.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1761, introduced by Assembly Member Jones-Sawyer, seeks to amend Section 1240 of the Education Code to enhance accountability within public schools and outline the duties of county superintendents of schools. The bill emphasizes the need for county superintendents to identify schools requiring support and assistance, conduct regular evaluations, and submit annual reports on the condition and challenges faced by these schools. This aim is to foster better oversight and improvement in educational outcomes through increased accountability measures.

Contention

Concerns may arise regarding the financial impact of these new oversight responsibilities, particularly if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill imposes significant costs on local agencies. The California Constitution mandates reimbursement for state-mandated costs incurred by local schools and agencies, which could be a point of contention during discussions amongst legislators about the bill's overall feasibility. Stakeholders will need to address how these changes will be funded and what specific support will be necessary to assist counties in meeting the new requirements introduced under AB 1761.