Proposing a constitutional amendment abolishing the State Board of Education and transferring the board's constitutional functions to the Texas Education Agency.
Impact
If passed, HJR96 would significantly alter the landscape of educational governance in Texas by dismantling the existing institutional framework of the State Board of Education. The proposed changes would mean that the TEA would take on responsibilities including the management of educational funds, curriculum standards, and the approval of educational materials. This might lead to more direct oversight and a unified approach to educational reforms and standards, potentially impacting how educational programs are developed and administered.
Summary
HJR96 proposes a constitutional amendment to abolish the State Board of Education and transfer its functions to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This shift seeks to consolidate education governance in Texas and streamline decision-making processes related to educational policies and funding. The amendment aims to enhance the operational efficiency of how education is administered in the state, ostensibly allowing for a more responsive structure to address the educational needs of Texas students.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HJR96 appears to be mixed, dividing stakeholders into proponents who argue for increased efficiency and opponents who express concerns over centralizing educational authority. Supporters emphasize the need for streamlined governance to better allocate resources and adapt to evolving educational challenges. In contrast, critics may fear that eliminating the State Board could diminish local input and oversight, potentially leading to a one-size-fits-all approach that overlooks regional educational needs.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HJR96 involve debates over local versus state control of education. Opponents argue that the removal of the State Board could limit the ability of local districts to advocate for their unique educational needs, while supporters contend that a more centralized authority would eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies. Additionally, there are concerns about the implications for educational funding, accountability, and the potential loss of a diverse range of perspectives in educational governance.
Enabled by
Relating to abolishing the State Board of Education and transferring the functions of the board to the Texas Education Agency and the commissioner of education.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of funds to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System and certain component institutions of the Texas State University System and repealing the limitation on the allocation to the Texas State Technical College System and its campuses of the annual appropriation of certain constitutionally dedicated funding for public institutions of higher education.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the technical institution infrastructure fund and the available workforce education fund to support the capital needs of career and technical education programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System, the Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Orange, and Lamar State College-Port Arthur.
Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.
Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to entitle all component institutions of The Texas A&M University System and The University of Texas System to participate in the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment reducing The University of Texas System's share of the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund, transferring to the national research university fund and general revenue fund a portion of the annual distribution made from the permanent university fund to the available university fund, appropriating the portion transferred to the national research university fund, and dedicating the portion transferred to the general revenue fund to provide for the support and maintenance of public institutions of higher education.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.