Texas House Bill HB3545

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to appointment by the commissioner of education of a community management board to assume governance of a low-performing school district or campus.

Impact

If enacted, HB3545 will significantly alter the way low-performing schools are governed in Texas. A community management board will wield substantial power, effectively suspending the existing board of trustees during its tenure and could include a diverse set of members, such as teachers, administrators, and local community representatives. This would allow for tailored interventions aimed at improving academic outcomes in districts determined to be struggling, ultimately enhancing the educational landscape for students.

Summary

House Bill 3545 proposes the establishment of a community management board by the commissioner of education to oversee low-performing school districts or campuses. The bill aims to amend various sections of the Education Code to facilitate the appointment and functioning of these boards. Particularly, it specifies the circumstances under which the commissioner can take action, including appointing such a board when a school district is labeled as low-performing or fails to satisfy certain accreditation and financial standards.

Contention

Notably, the bill presents a contentious shift toward state intervention in local education systems. Supporters argue that necessary oversight can lead to effective turnaround strategies for schools that have consistently failed to meet performance benchmarks. However, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of reducing local control and the potential overreach of state authority in managing educational institutions. As local voices are replaced by an appointed board, a debate may emerge about balancing accountability with community engagement in the reform process.