Relating to the availability of school district trustee information on the Internet and a review of the essential knowledge and skills of certain curricula.
Impact
The bill also mandates that the State Board of Education conduct a comprehensive review of specific educational curricula—particularly in career and technology applications—by March 1, 2020. This review is intended to streamline and consolidate the existing courses while ensuring alignment with state educational standards. The bill connects the operational aspects of school governance with curriculum development, emphasizing a holistic approach to education management in Texas. Funding for these implementations is subject to appropriation, thus raising questions regarding budget allocations for educational enhancements.
Summary
House Bill 963 aims to enhance the transparency of school district governance by mandating that each school district post essential information about its board of trustees on its official website. This includes the names, email addresses, and term dates of each trustee. In cases where a district does not have a website, they are required to submit this information to the Texas Education Agency, which will then publish it on its platform. The intent behind this provision is to improve public accessibility to governance-related information, thereby fostering greater accountability within the education system.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 963 appears to be largely positive among proponents who view it as a significant step towards greater accountability in school governance. Advocates underscore the importance of accessible information in fostering informed community engagement with local educational institutions. Nevertheless, some skepticism remains regarding the feasibility and impact of the curriculum review, including concerns over potential resource constraints that could impede effective implementation.
Contention
While the bill passed with considerable majority support in both the House and Senate, there were dissenting voices that raised concerns about the sufficiency of the measures proposed. Some critics expressed apprehension that the requirement for online postings might place undue burdens on smaller districts lacking the necessary resources or technical capabilities. Additionally, the reliance on legislative appropriations for the implementation of curriculum reviews engendered debate over state budgeting priorities and the adequacy of education funding.
Same As
Relating to the career and technology education and technology applications allotment and the essential knowledge and skills of the career and technology education and technology applications curriculums.
Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.
Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and creating allotments for the procurement of certain instructional materials under the Foundation School Program; authorizing a fee.
Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.
Relating to the appointment of members to a committee established to review and make recommendations for revisions to the essential knowledge and skills of the public school required curriculum.
Relating to the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, certain allotments under the Foundation School Program, determination of a school district's assets to liabilities ratio under the public school financial accountability rating system, and credit for prepayment of the amount required to be paid by a school district for the purchase of attendance credit under the public school finance system.
Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, a security officer employed by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.