Texas House Bill HB944

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring State Board of Education approval for the expansion of an open-enrollment charter school.

Impact

This legislation will likely impact the operations of open-enrollment charter schools significantly. Under the current system, charter schools can expand with relative ease; however, by instituting a requirement for State Board approval, it aims to create a more structured approach to charter management. This could lead to improved accountability, as charter schools will need to demonstrate their necessities for expansion and their overall performance metrics. Consequently, failing to meet these standards may hinder such schools' abilities to grow and serve more students.

Summary

House Bill 944 seeks to amend the Texas Education Code by requiring the approval of the State Board of Education for expansions of open-enrollment charter schools. This includes changes such as increasing the maximum allowable enrollment, extending grade levels, adding new campuses, or altering geographic boundaries. The bill is focused on enhancing oversight of these charter schools, ensuring that any expansions are justified and that they meet certain performance standards.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HB 944 include concerns from charter school advocates who argue that it might limit the potential growth and flexibility that these schools currently enjoy. They fear that additional layers of approval could slow down the process of responding to community needs and demands for educational options. Conversely, supporters contend that the bill is a necessary step to ensure that only high-performing charter schools can expand, thereby protecting students and taxpayers from potential misuse of funds and resources.