Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1743

Introduced
10/4/23  
Refer
10/4/23  
Refer
5/21/24  
Report Pass
5/22/24  
Engrossed
5/22/24  

Caption

In school directors, further providing for school director training programs.

Impact

The legislation's implementation is intended to improve the overall functioning of school boards by providing directors with comprehensive training tailored to their responsibilities. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes that these training programs will be offered at no cost to the school districts or the directors themselves. The Pennsylvania Department of Education will oversee the development and approval of these programs, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, which is a significant step toward standardizing the training that school directors receive across the state.

Summary

House Bill 1743 focuses on enhancing the training requirements for school directors within the Pennsylvania public school system. The bill outlines mandatory training programs that newly elected or appointed school directors must complete within the first year of their term. These training programs are structured to provide essential knowledge and skills related to various aspects of school governance, fiscal management, personnel, and best practices, including trauma-informed approaches. By mandating these requirements, the bill aims to ensure that school directors are well-equipped to make effective decisions in their leadership roles.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1743 was generally positive among educational advocates and lawmakers who believe that enhanced training for school directors will lead to better governance and outcomes in schools. Supporters argue that providing these mandatory training programs is crucial for addressing the complexities of school management and ensuring that directors are prepared to handle challenges effectively. However, there may be concerns about the funding and logistics of implementing such programs uniformly across all districts, particularly in under-resourced areas.

Contention

Some points of contention raised during discussions around HB 1743 may revolve around the availability of resources to implement the training programs adequately. Critics could express apprehension regarding if all school districts will meet the new training requirements effectively and whether adequate support will be provided to those struggling to adapt to these changes. Additionally, there may be debates about the potential for over-regulation in educational governance, emphasizing the need for flexibility in how training is administered to suit varying district needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB263

In school directors, further providing for school director training programs.

PA HB774

In school directors, further providing for school director training programs.

PA HB768

In school directors, further providing for compensation and oath of office.

PA HB266

In school directors, further providing for compensation and oath of office.

PA HB2073

In school directors, further providing for eligibility and incompatible offices.

PA HB829

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for kindergartens; in pupils and attendance, further providing for age limits and temporary residence, for definitions and for when provided; and, in early learning programs, providing for full-day kindergarten.

PA HB1654

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for kindergartens; in pupils and attendance, further providing for age limits and temporary residence, for definitions and for when provided; and providing for full-day kindergarten.

PA AB2015

Nursing schools and programs: faculty members, directors, and assistant directors.

PA HB1526

In intermediate units, further providing for powers and duties of the intermediate unit board of directors, for capital subsidy and for school safety and security enhancements; and, in school safety and security, further providing for Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools and School Entities Program.

PA SB930

In student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further providing for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator, for school safety and security training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; and making editorial changes.

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