Texas House Bill HB3651

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study and report regarding school district size and school district cost and academic effectiveness.

Impact

The completion of this study is planned to lead to significant findings that will be reported by December 31, 2020. The report will offer insights not only on how to achieve cost-effective operations within school districts but also on what constitutes an optimal size for these educational entities to ensure they meet state educational goals. These findings could directly influence state laws regarding education policy, funding allocations, and management approaches at the district level.

Summary

House Bill 3651 addresses the complexities related to the size of school districts in Texas by mandating a comprehensive study on the correlation between school district size and both the associated costs and academic performance. This bill directs the Commissioner of Education to consider a variety of operational factors, such as organization and management, financial soundness, services like transportation, and accessibility for parents when investigating the impacts of school district sizes. The results from this study are intended to inform future legislative actions aimed at optimizing school district structures for improved educational outcomes.

Contention

While the support for the bill is anticipated due to its positive focus on improving educational effectiveness, there are potential points of contention regarding how the research findings may be utilized. Critics may raise concerns about the potential implications of restructuring school districts based on the report's recommendations, especially if such changes could lead to the consolidation of smaller districts or alterations in how resources are distributed. This may provoke debates about maintaining local control over education and meeting specific regional needs.