Texas Senate Bill SB164

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Relating to a notification requirement if a school counselor is not assigned to a public school campus in certain school districts.

Impact

The bill will amend the Texas Education Code, specifically adding a new section that mandates these notifications. Schools and districts will need to ensure that they comply with this requirement, which includes providing the notice in a bilingual form. Additionally, this act aims to ensure that parents are aware of the resources available to their children and encourages schools to strive for maintaining a full-time school counselor on campus. The legislation is set to take effect beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, aiming for a smoother transition and implementation among school districts.

Summary

Senate Bill 164 establishes a notification requirement for public schools, including charter schools, regarding the absence of school counselors. If a school does not have a full-time certified school counselor assigned for more than 30 consecutive instructional days, it must inform parents and the community by posting this information on their website. This requirement is intended to enhance transparency and accountability around the mental health and guidance resources available to students in Texas schools, particularly as school counselors play a crucial role in student development and well-being.

Sentiment

Generally, the sentiment around SB164 seems to be supportive among advocates for mental health and educational transparency. Proponents believe that timely communication regarding the availability of school counselors will empower parents to engage more effectively in their children's education. However, there may be some apprehension among school administrators regarding the logistical challenges of meeting this new requirement, particularly in districts facing counselor shortages.

Contention

While there appears to be overall support for the objectives behind SB164, some potential areas of contention could arise regarding how schools will manage compliance. Questions may emerge concerning the practicality of providing timely updates in a bilingual format and the potential ramifications for schools that fail to meet the notification requirement. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the adequacy of resources allocated to ensure that all public schools can retain school counselors consistently.