Relating to the availability of school district trustee information on the Internet and a review of the essential knowledge and skills of certain curricula.
The bill also mandates that the State Board of Education conduct a comprehensive review of specific educational curricula—particularly in career and technology applications—by March 1, 2020. This review is intended to streamline and consolidate the existing courses while ensuring alignment with state educational standards. The bill connects the operational aspects of school governance with curriculum development, emphasizing a holistic approach to education management in Texas. Funding for these implementations is subject to appropriation, thus raising questions regarding budget allocations for educational enhancements.
House Bill 963 aims to enhance the transparency of school district governance by mandating that each school district post essential information about its board of trustees on its official website. This includes the names, email addresses, and term dates of each trustee. In cases where a district does not have a website, they are required to submit this information to the Texas Education Agency, which will then publish it on its platform. The intent behind this provision is to improve public accessibility to governance-related information, thereby fostering greater accountability within the education system.
The sentiment surrounding HB 963 appears to be largely positive among proponents who view it as a significant step towards greater accountability in school governance. Advocates underscore the importance of accessible information in fostering informed community engagement with local educational institutions. Nevertheless, some skepticism remains regarding the feasibility and impact of the curriculum review, including concerns over potential resource constraints that could impede effective implementation.
While the bill passed with considerable majority support in both the House and Senate, there were dissenting voices that raised concerns about the sufficiency of the measures proposed. Some critics expressed apprehension that the requirement for online postings might place undue burdens on smaller districts lacking the necessary resources or technical capabilities. Additionally, the reliance on legislative appropriations for the implementation of curriculum reviews engendered debate over state budgeting priorities and the adequacy of education funding.