Texas House Bill HB2819

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a grant program for school districts to provide career and technology education courses in the summer and to a study on the grant program.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2819 is expected to enhance educational offerings by enabling students to engage in career and technology courses outside the traditional school year. By funding these summer programs, the bill seeks to address gaps in education that often occur during the summer months, thereby better preparing students for future careers. This could potentially lead to increased job readiness among high school graduates, contributing positively to the workforce development in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2819 establishes a grant program aimed at supporting school districts in providing career and technology education courses during summer sessions. The bill mandates that the commissioner of education, in collaboration with a private entity, set up this program using appropriated funds. It also allows for the acceptance of donations and contributions to fund this initiative, which suggests a move towards increasing flexibility and funding opportunities for educational programs focused on skill-building.

Contention

One notable aspect of the bill is its requirement for a subsequent study, to be conducted by the commissioner, which will assess the effectiveness of the grant program. This study aims to evaluate the success of the initiative, including the potential for expansion and identification of future funding needs. Some might argue that the bill's reliance on private partnerships and donations could introduce variability in funding, raising concerns about the sustainability of these educational programs in the long run.