Texas House Bill HB860

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to sanctions available for certain academically unacceptable campuses.

Impact

The implications of this bill significantly affect the protocol for managing academically struggling schools. Schools identified as academically unacceptable for two consecutive years will be subject to a reconstitution process led by a campus intervention team. This team is tasked with creating, approving, and executing a revised school improvement plan. A crucial aspect of this is that the original principal cannot be retained if they have served during the full two-year period of academic unacceptability, which raises concerns about the turnover of school leadership and its effects on continuity.

Summary

House Bill 860 focuses on amending the Education Code with regard to sanctions imposed on academically unacceptable campuses in Texas. The bill stipulates that campuses designated academically unacceptable cannot receive additional sanctions until several requirements are fulfilled, including the completion of a comprehensive on-site evaluation and needs assessment. The purpose is to allow campuses time and support to implement a school improvement plan before further punitive measures are considered.

Contention

One notable point of contention presented by critics of the bill is the potential strain on educational resources and the pressure to rapidly change leadership without necessarily addressing underlying issues within the school. Supporters argue that targeted interventions are essential for ensuring accountability, while opponents worry that simply changing personnel may not lead to substantive improvements in educational outcomes. Furthermore, the prohibition against changing the name of a campus during reconstitution has sparked debate on whether this could dampen community engagement and morale.

Implementation

The bill is also designed to take effect with the 2009-2010 school year, emphasizing timely implementation of its provisions. It aligns with a broader goal of enhancing educational standards across the state, but discussions continue regarding the feasibility of these sanctions in fostering actual improvement versus creating further division and challenges within Texas's educational ecosystem.