Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB1505

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

Caption

Relating to librarians employed by school districts.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1505 would significantly affect state education laws by mandating certified librarian availability in elementary schools, thereby elevating the standard of educational support services. The bill aligns with educational best practices that advocate for specialized staff to foster literacy and resource accessibility among young students. Moreover, by expanding librarian roles beyond traditional full-time positions, the legislation can provide more flexible staffing solutions, especially in less populated or financially constrained areas.

Summary

House Bill 1505 aims to ensure that school districts in Texas employ certified librarians to support elementary education. The bill stipulates that any school district with a campus hosting 500 or more students must hire at least one librarian certified under the rules set by the State Board for Educator Certification. It also provides alternative provisions for smaller school districts, allowing them to employ part-time librarians or enter into shared service agreements with other districts to meet the certification requirement. This initiative emphasizes the importance of librarian roles in enhancing educational resources and services at the elementary level.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill is generally positive among educational advocates who recognize the importance of certified librarians in fostering a supportive learning environment. Stakeholders, including educators and parents, tend to view this legislation as a proactive step toward improving educational outcomes in elementary schools. However, there may be concerns among some districts about the financial implications of hiring full-time certified librarians, possibly leading to discussions about funding and resource allocation.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the feasibility of hiring certified librarians in districts with lower student populations. Some critics might argue that the requirements could place unnecessary financial burdens on smaller districts, where employing a full-time librarian may not be practical. There could also be debates about whether the certification requirements are stringent enough to ensure quality educational support and if flexibility in hiring part-time staff sufficiently addresses the needs of elementary students in diverse districts.

Companion Bills

TX SB784

Identical Relating to librarians employed by school districts.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2937

Relating to the employment of certified school counselors by school districts.

TX SB907

Relating to the employment of certified school counselors by school districts.

TX HB155

Relating to the employment of certified school counselors by school districts.

TX HB79

Relating to the employment of certified school counselors by school districts.

TX SB2

Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, a security officer employed by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.

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 HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.