Relating to information provided by a superintendent or principal regarding the performance of a school district or campus employee to a prospective employer of the employee.
With the introduction of HB1501, the existing confidentiality provisions regarding employee performance evaluations would be adjusted. The bill specifically modifies Section 21.355, highlighting that documents used to evaluate educators are generally confidential, but superintendents and principals may share their evaluations with potential employers under certain conditions. This is expected to influence hiring practices within the education sector significantly, providing a clearer framework for what information can be shared and under what circumstances.
HB1501 proposes amendments to the Texas Education Code to allow superintendents and principals to provide performance-related information about current or former school district or campus employees to prospective employers. This change addresses the need for transparency and facilitates the employment process for educators transitioning to new positions. By allowing such disclosures, the bill aims to support prospective employers in making informed hiring decisions while balancing the concerns related to employee confidentiality.
Notably, the bill includes a provision that protects superintendents and principals from personal liability when they share information in good faith about a current or former employee’s performance. This liability shield aims to encourage honest and constructive evaluations without the fear of legal repercussions. However, some stakeholders might express concerns regarding the potential misuse of this information and the implications for educators facing employment challenges due to past evaluations.
The effective date of the bill is September 1, 2009, which means that changes will be applicable to any information provided after this date. Any evaluations shared before this enactment will be governed by the laws that were in place at that time, ensuring that transitions are manageable and respectful of prior legal protections. The overall impact of HB1501 on state laws will likely shape both the hiring landscape within Texas schools and the level of transparency expected in employee performance evaluations.