Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1011

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

Caption

Relating to public school choice, including school campus information, student transfers, the public education grant program, and the transportation allotment.

Impact

The bill also revises the transportation allotment system for students who exercise their right to attend schools outside of their assigned districts. It stipulates that districts offering school choices are entitled to additional funding based on student transportation needs. This financial adjustment is designed to facilitate a smoother operational framework for districts that accommodate students from various locations, encouraging the adoption of school choice policies. Overall, SB1011 aims to promote educational diversity and accessibility for students, thus impacting both state laws related to education funding and public school governance.

Summary

Senate Bill 1011 (SB1011) introduces significant changes to public school choice in Texas, focusing specifically on the dissemination of information regarding school campus options and the framework for student transfers between districts. One of the prominent features of the bill mandates that each regional education service center must consolidate and submit school availability information, which includes student capacity and available programs, thereby enhancing transparency for parents and students. Additionally, the Texas Education Agency is required to maintain a dedicated website that allows users to filter school options by various criteria, including the performance and programs available at each campus.

Contention

Notably, the proposal has generated debate regarding parental choices and the administrative responsibilities placed on school districts. Some stakeholders are concerned about the potential for increased administrative burdens on districts, which may lead to operational inefficiencies, especially for smaller districts with limited resources. Proponents argue that empowering parents with more choices will ultimately lead to better educational outcomes, while detractors caution that this could result in a lack of consistency across schools and districts, potentially disadvantaging students in under-resourced areas.

Companion Bills

TX HB1796

Similar Relating to public school choice, including school campus information, student transfers, the public education grant program, and the transportation allotment.

Previously Filed As

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 HB3781

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 special education.

TX SB418

Relating to the transfer of students between public schools.

TX SB29

Relating to the transfer of students between public schools.

TX HB4148

Relating to the transfer of students between public schools.

TX SB1474

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.

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 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 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.

Similar Bills

TX HB1796

Relating to public school choice, including school campus information, student transfers, the public education grant program, and the transportation allotment.

CA AB185

School/Law Enforcement Partnership: stakeholder workgroup.

CA SB897

Pupil attendance: interdistrict attendance: school districts of choice.

TX SB686

Relating to the transfer of students between public schools.

TX HB2396

Relating to the transfer of students between public schools.

TX HB4148

Relating to the transfer of students between public schools.

CA AB3216

School accountability: Open Enrollment Act: low-achieving schools.

NV AB533

Revises provisions relating to education. (BDR 34-756)