Texas House Bill HB2694

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 2/23/23

Caption

Relating to a notification requirement if a public school does not have a nurse, school counselor, or librarian assigned to the school during all instructional hours.

Impact

The introduction of HB 2694 has significant implications for school operations within the state. Specifically, it mandates that any public school or charter school that fails to have a full-time nurse, counselor, or librarian must inform parents through a written notice or via the school’s website. The requirement applies to schools with an enrollment of 10,000 students or more, effectively reinforcing the accountability of schools to maintain essential staff. This could have a large impact on how schools manage personnel resources, emphasizing the necessity of having these critical roles filled, thus potentially influencing hiring practices and operational decisions on staffing.

Summary

House Bill 2694, introduced by Representative Jones of Dallas, sets forth a requirement for public schools in Texas to notify parents if there is not a full-time nurse, school counselor, or librarian present during instructional hours for over thirty consecutive days. The bill was motivated by the need to strengthen communication between schools and parents regarding the availability of essential support staff, which are crucial for the educational environment. By ensuring that parents are aware of staffing situations, the bill aims to enhance the supportive framework needed for student growth and development.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2694 appears to be largely supportive among educational advocates, particularly those from the Texas American Federation of Teachers. Proponents argue that the bill fosters transparency and parental engagement in their children's education, reassuring families about the presence of critical support staff. However, sentiment may be mixed when considering the operational implications for schools, particularly regarding flexibility in staffing and potential additional burdens placed on school administration to ensure compliance with the notification requirement. Overall, the sentiment highlights a commitment to student welfare and educational standards.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2694 include concerns about the feasibility of maintaining a full-time nurse, counselor, or librarian in all schools, especially in the face of budget constraints and staffing shortages that many districts face. There is potential for pushback from school districts that may argue the bill places an undue administrative burden on them and limits their operational flexibility. Additionally, discussions may emerge on whether the requirement to notify could lead to undue alarm among parents or create misconceptions about the adequacy of educational support in their children's schools.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 25. Admission, Transfer, And Attendance
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 21. Educators
  • Section: New Section

Occupations Code

• Chapter 301. Nurses
  • Section: New Section