TX
Texas Senate Bill SB26

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB26

Filed
2/18/25  
Out of Senate Committee
2/24/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to public education, including the rights and compensation of public school educators and funding for teacher compensation under the Foundation School Program.

Impact

The implications of SB26 are profound, as it seeks to amend existing laws regarding teacher compensation, ultimately aiming to elevate the status of teaching as a profession and ensure higher retention rates among experienced teachers. The bill establishes different funding tiers based on school district sizes and mandates that a significant portion of the district's new funds be directly funneled into teacher salaries. This focus is expected to disproportionately benefit smaller districts which struggle to compete with larger urban districts for teaching talent.

Summary

SB26 focuses on improving the compensation and support systems for public school educators in Texas. The bill proposes significant changes to the Foundation School Program, enhancing funding specifically aimed at increasing the salaries of classroom teachers based on their experience level. It specifies a structured allotment system where teachers earn various amounts depending on their years of service, ultimately incentivizing retention among experienced educators. This is seen as a move to address ongoing teacher shortages and enhance the quality of education in Texas schools.

Sentiment

As discussions unfolded, the sentiment around SB26 appears to be largely favorable among educators and stakeholders advocating for increased teacher salaries and support. Proponents argue that the structured funding will not only help attract but also retain quality teachers, directly enhancing student outcomes. Critics, however, express concerns regarding the sustainability of such funding models, especially in the face of variable state budget allocations and potential performance-based implications that could overshadow individual teacher circumstances.

Contention

Notable points of contention include debates around the performance-based funding component, where critics argue that linking compensation to performance evaluations could negatively impact educators, particularly in schools with higher needs. Opponents’ concerns center on the potential for subjective evaluations to affect teachers' job security and compensation adversely, particularly if resources for training and support are not adequately addressed.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 21. Educators
    • Section: 3521
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 3521
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 3521
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 3521
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
    • Section: 112
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 112
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 112
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 112
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 29. Educational Programs
    • Section: 153
    • Section: 153
    • Section: 153
  • Chapter 22. School District Employees And Volunteers
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Latest SB26 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

TX HB198

Relating to a study on an average pay increase for classroom teachers, the creation of certain teacher designations, teacher retention, and a teacher quality allotment under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB713

Relating to a school district assigning a mentor teacher to a new classroom teacher.

TX SB2

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.

TX SB2

Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented 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.

TX SB9

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.

TX HB4062

Relating to the salary paid to certain public school teachers, the creation of certain teacher designations, and allotments for certain educators under the Foundation School Program; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX SB507

Relating to the placement and use of video cameras in self-contained classrooms or other settings providing special education services.

TX SB568

Relating to special education in public schools, including funding for special education under the Foundation School Program.