Relating to the acquisition of certain professional services by a school district.
Impact
The bill amends Section 39.109 of the Education Code, establishing a framework for districts when dealing with issues related to data quality and assessment. Crucially, it caps the fees that educators approved as service providers can charge, limiting them to $75 per hour or an equivalent fixed amount. This provision aims to keep the costs manageable for school districts, which often operate under tight budgets. The limits placed on service charges ensure that schools can access essential services without facing prohibitive costs, thereby promoting improved governance and performance in educational settings.
Summary
House Bill 1883 focuses on the acquisition of professional services by school districts in Texas. A significant change introduced by this bill is the stipulation that if a school district or campus is deemed to have certain financial, performance, or governance deficiencies, the commissioner can mandate that the district acquire professional services. These services may include hiring external auditors or curriculum experts, as well as ensuring that staff receive appropriate training. The bill outlines the process for selecting these professional services, ensuring that there is oversight in the hiring process to address identified deficiencies effectively.
Contention
While HB1883 appears to streamline certain processes and establish clear parameters for hiring professional services, it may raise concerns among educators and school administrators regarding the mandated nature of the hires and potential control exerted by the commissioner. Some stakeholders might argue that this centralization could overlook specific local needs, as districts may prefer to employ professionals who understand their unique contexts. Additionally, setting a fixed rate for services might deter qualified professionals from participating, potentially impacting the quality of assistance available to schools in need.
Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.
Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.
Relating to a student's eligibility for special education services provided by a school district, including services for dyslexia and related disorders.