Texas House Bill HB3071

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the appointment of a board of managers to govern certain school districts with low-performing campuses.

Impact

Key amendments proposed by HB3071 stipulate that a board of managers can only be appointed when at least 15 percent of the campuses in a school district receive an unacceptable performance rating. Additionally, if a campus has had an unacceptable rating for three consecutive school years, the Commissioner of Education can order either the appointment of a board of managers or the closure of the campus—unless the majority of campuses in that district have acceptable ratings. This structured approach is intended to ensure that intervention occurs only when necessary and is warranted by the performance data.

Summary

House Bill 3071 aims to reform the governance structure of school districts in Texas that are identified as having low-performing campuses. The bill specifically introduces provisions for the appointment of a board of managers to oversee these school districts if certain performance criteria are met. This legislative action is geared towards improving educational outcomes in districts with significant performance challenges.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB3071 have highlighted both support and opposition among stakeholders. Proponents argue that the bill provides a necessary mechanism for accountability and swift action in the face of persistent underperformance, asserting that strong management can redirect struggling campuses towards success. Conversely, critics express concern that the bill may lead to overreach by state authorities and the potential disenfranchisement of local communities. They fear that appointing a board of managers could undermine locally elected officials and disrupt established school functioning.