Texas Senate Bill SB2092

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the process for review after a decision to terminate a teacher's contract or suspend a teacher without pay.

Impact

The impact of SB2092 on state law is significant as it centralizes more decision-making authority within school boards regarding teacher employment matters. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the school districts and teachers in these proceedings, mandating that hearings be finalized within sixty days of a teacher's written request. The bill reinforces the significance of the findings of fact and conclusions of law produced during these hearings and stipulates that the Texas commissioner cannot substitute their judgment for that of the school board unless certain preconditions are met. This establishes a more robust framework for judicial review based on the evidence presented during hearings.

Summary

SB2092 is a legislative proposal in Texas aimed at establishing clearer processes for the review of decisions made by school districts to terminate teachers' contracts or to suspend them without pay. The bill amends various sections of the Education Code, specifically within Subchapter F, Chapter 21, to provide schools with more structured options for conducting hearings related to these personnel decisions. Notably, school districts can now opt to have these hearings conducted either by appointed hearing examiners or directly by the school board or a designated subcommittee. This change is intended to streamline the review process and empower local school boards to retain control over significant employment decisions.

Contention

While the bill is structured to provide clearer guidance on the review process, it has sparked discussions regarding the balance of power between school boards and the state. Proponents argue that these provisions will enhance local governance and accountability, allowing school boards to make decisions that reflect their community's values and standards. However, critics express concerns that increasing the authority of local boards might lead to inconsistent outcomes for teachers across different districts. Additionally, there is apprehension that without adequate oversight, some decisions may be influenced by local politics rather than objective evaluations of a teacher's performance.