Texas Senate Bill SB738

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/26/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/28/11
• Refer: 2/23/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/18/11
• Report Pass: 4/26/11
• Voted on by House: 5/25/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Report Pass: 5/16/11
• Enrolled: 5/26/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to a parental role in determining sanctions applied to a public school campus under certain circumstances.

Impact

The bill amends the Education Code to clarify the role of parents in relation to school performance sanctions. By establishing a clear process whereby parents can petition for specific actions, SB738 reinforces the importance of parental input and engagement in the educational system. This could lead to more responsive governance in schools, where the voices of parents are taken into consideration when determining the fate of low-performing campuses. Its implementation may lead to significant changes in how school districts manage struggling schools, potentially fostering a more collaborative environment for parents and school authorities.

Summary

SB738 aims to enhance parental involvement in decision-making processes regarding sanctions that may be applied to public schools that perform inadequately over a series of years. Specifically, this bill allows parents, through a petition, to request action such as repurposing, alternative management, or closure of a school deemed to have an unacceptable performance rating for three consecutive years. This new legislation seeks to empower parents by giving them a mechanism to influence how the state responds to underperforming schools, reflecting a growing trend of increased parental engagement in educational governance.

Contention

While SB738 is primarily positioned as a means to enhance parental authority, the implications of its provisions could be a point of contention. Critics may argue that empowering parents in this way could lead to conflicts with school boards and administration, particularly if demands from parent groups create tensions or disrupt existing management strategies. Additionally, there are concerns about the effectiveness of parental action in resolving the complex issues surrounding school performance, with opponents suggesting that educational reform requires more comprehensive solutions than just parental petitions. As such, while the bill promotes parental involvement, it could also provoke debates about the best methods for school reform and accountability.