Texas Senate Bill SB992

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 2/16/23

Caption

Relating to establishing the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program and creating an allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program to support the program.

Impact

If enacted, SB992 will amend existing educational codes regarding partnership allocations and funding incentives. The program will provide school districts with an allotment based on the number of students participating in approved college and career pathways. It aims to motivate districts, particularly those lacking economies of scale, to work together, thereby pooling resources to offer specialized academic programs tailored to regional needs. This could lead to increased educational attainment and better job readiness among rural students, significantly impacting the economic prospects of these communities.

Summary

Senate Bill 992, primarily sponsored by Senator Hinojosa, proposes the establishment of the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program aimed at enhancing educational partnerships among rural school districts. The bill seeks to create a supportive framework that allows these districts to collaborate and expand their college and career pathway offerings. This initiative is designed to improve educational opportunities for underserved students while also promoting economic development in rural areas. The bill emphasizes the need for multidistrict partnerships to provide a broader array of resources and education pathways that are aligned with the employment needs of local labor markets.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding SB992 appears to be positive, particularly among educators and stakeholders advocating for rural education. Testimony during committee discussions indicates a strong belief that such partnerships are vital to providing quality educational opportunities in rural settings. Supporters argue that the bill will reverse detrimental effects from previous legislation that diminished funding incentives for collaborative efforts. However, there may be concerns among critics about the practicality of partnership implementation and the potential for oversights in resource allocation or execution of the pathways.

Contention

Despite the positive reception, there are notable points of contention regarding SB992. Some stakeholders may worry that the reliance on partnerships could lead to disparities in educational resources among rural districts, especially if some schools are unable to effectively collaborate due to varying capabilities and needs. Additionally, the specifics of how the performance agreements between districts will be structured and monitored raise questions about accountability and efficacy in achieving the intended outcomes. Ensuring equitable access to educational pathways for all students may also be a concern as the partnership model evolves.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 29. Educational Programs
  • Section: 912

• Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
  • Section: 118