TX
Texas House Bill HB881

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB881

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to abolishing the State Board of Education and transferring the functions of the board to the Texas Education Agency and the commissioner of education.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would significantly alter the operational framework of public education in Texas. It would relieve the SBOE of its oversight responsibilities, transferring various functions such as textbook adoption, approval of educational curricula, and the management of certain statewide education programs to the TEA. This change aims to create a more unified education system; however, it raises concerns regarding the loss of representation and local input that the SBOE historically provided in educational matters. Legislators believe this shift could improve accountability and align educational goals more closely with state educational standards and objectives.

Summary

House Bill 881 aims to abolish the State Board of Education (SBOE) in Texas and transfer its responsibilities to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and its commissioner. The bill proposes a reorganization of the state's education governance structure, emphasizing a centralized approach to public education oversight. This legislative move seeks to streamline decision-making processes in education and enhance the efficiency of policy implementation across the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 881 appears mixed among stakeholders. Supporters assert that consolidating power within the TEA will lead to more coherent educational policies and eliminate bureaucratic redundancies. They argue that a centralized structure can effectively address educational challenges and ensure better outcomes for students. Conversely, opponents express concern that this move could diminish local autonomy and reduce the diversity of educational approaches available across Texas. Critics worry that combining the powers into a single agency may result in less grassroots involvement in education decisions, undermining community input and responsiveness.

Contention

Key points of contention include the potential impact on local governance in educational affairs and the implications for the roles of educators and administrators in decision-making processes. While proponents defend the efficiency of a centralized system, detractors argue that such a concentration of power may overlook the unique needs of different school districts. Further discontent stems from fears that educational issues may become overly politicized, as the TEA operates under the direct influence of state leadership, leading to concerns about equity and access to education for all Texas students.

Latest TX HB881 Activity

View All Events: TX 2011 - 82nd Regular HB881

Companion Bills

TX HJR96

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment abolishing the State Board of Education and transferring the board's constitutional functions to the Texas Education Agency.

Previously Filed As

TX SB58

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB4188

Relating to the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

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 HB11

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 HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB277

Relating to abolishing certain county boards of education, boards of county school trustees, and offices of county school superintendent.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

TX SB2114

Relating to the establishment of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Education Agency.

TX SB1862

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general at the Texas Education Agency to investigate the administration of public education.

Similar Bills

TX HB3382

Relating to transferring the statutorily assigned functions and activities of the State Board of Education to the Texas Education Agency.

TX SB440

Relating to transferring the statutorily assigned functions and activities of the State Board of Education to the Texas Education Agency.

TX HB1235

Relating to establishing the Legislative Education Board and transferring to the Legislative Education Board the statutorily assigned functions and activities of the State Board of Education and certain functions of the Legislative Budget Board.

TX HB104

Relating to abolishing the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and transferring the coordinating board's functions and activities and the State Board of Education's statutorily assigned functions and activities to the Texas Education Agency.

TX SB810

Relating to the purchase and use of open educational resources.

TX SB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools; providing penalties.

TX HB2302

Relating to transferring to the Texas Education Agency and the commissioner of education the statutorily assigned responsibilities of the State Board of Education concerning textbooks.

NJ S4417

Requires Commissioner of Education and Local Finance Board approval for certain board of education leases exceeding 20 years; authorizes boards to enter into 20-year lease purchase agreements for improvements or additions to school buildings.