Texas House Bill HB57

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Relating to the review by a school district board of trustees of a hearing examiner's determination regarding good cause to suspend a teacher without pay or terminate the teacher's contract.

Impact

The proposed changes are significant as they clarify the power of school boards in handling teacher discipline cases. By ensuring that boards have the authority to amend hearing examiner decisions, the bill represents a shift in oversight within school districts, potentially improving the standards of accountability. The amendments will only affect hearings conducted after the bill's effective date, ensuring that existing cases continue under prior laws, which may help mitigate backlash against the legislation from educators and advocates concerned about fairness.

Summary

House Bill 57 addresses the authority of school district boards of trustees regarding the review of determinations made by hearing examiners on the suspension of teachers without pay or the termination of their contracts. The bill amends Section 21.259(b) of the Education Code, allowing boards or subcommittees to adopt, reject, or modify a hearing examiner's conclusions of law related to the good cause for such disciplinary actions. This bill aims to streamline the review process while holding boards accountable for examining the findings of hearing examiners more closely.

Contention

While supporters of HB 57 may argue that it strengthens the review process and promotes greater oversight over disciplinary measures, there is concern regarding the implications for teacher rights. Critics could view the broadened authority of school boards as a possible threat to educators' job security, potentially leading to harsher disciplinary measures or diminished rights in challenging decisions. The debate surrounding this bill may center on the balance between necessary oversight by school boards and the protection of teachers' contractual rights.