Relating to establishing the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program and creating an allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program to support the program.
Impact
If implemented, HB 2209 will amend the Texas Education Code to create new funding opportunities under the Foundation School Program. It allows eligible rural school districts to access an allotment based on the number of students enrolled in college and career pathways under the R-PEP program. Additionally, the bill includes an outcomes bonus for school districts that successfully help students obtain postsecondary credentials, thus incentivizing performance and accountability in rural education.
Summary
House Bill 2209 aims to establish the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program, which is designed to incentivize and support partnerships among rural school districts to enhance educational opportunities for underserved students. The program focuses on creating collaborative agreements between districts with fewer than 1,600 students and encourages partnerships with local institutions of higher education and businesses. By facilitating these collaborations, the bill aims to expand college and career pathways aligned with regional labor market demands, ultimately promoting economic development in rural areas.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 2209 appears to be largely positive among education advocates, particularly those in rural districts. Proponents argue that the bill provides necessary support for rural schools that often lack resources to offer a diverse range of educational pathways. However, some concerns exist regarding the structuring of performance agreements and whether the funding caps might limit the effectiveness of the program in addressing the unique needs of poorer rural districts.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the bill's focus on districts with fewer than 1,600 students, which some argue could inadvertently create a divide in educational resources and opportunities between larger and smaller districts. Additionally, there are concerns that the funding limitations—capped at $5 million per year—could hinder the program's long-term sustainability and effectiveness in truly transforming rural education and ensuring that all underserved students have access to high-quality career pathways.
Identical
Relating to establishing the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program and creating an allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program to support the program.
Relating to establishing the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program and creating an allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program to support the program.
Relating to career and technology education programs in public schools and the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program, including funding for those programs under the Foundation School Program, and to the new instructional facility allotment and the permissible uses of funding under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to college, career, and military readiness in public schools, including career and technology education programs, the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program, and the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program, funding for those programs under the Foundation School Program, and workforce reporting to support those programs, to the public school accountability system, and to the new instructional facility allotment and the permissible uses of funding under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, a security officer employed by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.
Relating to establishing the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program and creating an allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program to support the program.
Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.