Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1109

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 

Caption

Relating to the authority of certain political subdivisions to change the date of the general election for officers.

Impact

The enactment of SB1109 would significantly impact state laws governing education funding and accountability. It proposes amendments that change the criteria for distributing state education funds, prioritizing allocations based on school performance metrics rather than merely enrollment numbers. This shift could lead to increased funding for schools that demonstrate positive outcomes while potentially reducing support for those that do not meet established benchmarks, thus reshaping the funding landscape for public schools across the state.

Summary

SB1109 focuses on reforming the education funding system within the state to enhance accountability and performance measures in public schools. The bill aims to allocate more resources to underfunded schools while ensuring that these institutions meet certain performance benchmarks. Proponents argue that by linking funding to school performance, it can drive improvements in student outcomes and overall educational quality. The bill also emphasizes the need for transparency in how funds are utilized at the school level.

Sentiment

Sentiment around SB1109 appears to be mixed among stakeholders. Supporters, particularly from the education reform community, view the bill as a necessary step toward creating a more equitable education system that rewards successful schools and helps struggling ones improve. Conversely, opponents, including some educators and local government officials, express concern that tying funding to performance metrics could disadvantage schools serving high-need populations, leading to further inequities in educational opportunities.

Contention

The core contention surrounding SB1109 revolves around the debate over local control versus state mandates in education funding. Critics argue that the bill undermines local decision-making by enforcing state-level performance criteria that may not accurately reflect the unique challenges faced by different school districts. Additionally, there are concerns that the performance-based funding could incentivize schools to prioritize test scores over holistic education, neglecting important aspects such as arts and extracurricular activities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.