Texas Senate Bill SB78

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a notification requirement if a public school, including an open-enrollment charter school, does not have a nurse, school counselor, or librarian assigned to the school during all instructional hours.

Impact

Should SB78 be enacted, it would amend the Education Code to include provisions concerning the assignment of nurses, counselors, and librarians in schools. Schools with an enrollment of less than 10,000 students are exempt from this requirement. This change can potentially influence how resources are allocated in schools, especially smaller ones that may struggle to maintain required staffing levels. Moreover, the act aims to emphasize the importance of having these key personnel present as part of a comprehensive educational experience.

Summary

Senate Bill 78 (SB78) proposed a requirement for public schools, including open-enrollment charter schools, to notify parents if there is no full-time nurse, school counselor, or librarian assigned to the school for more than 30 consecutive instructional days. The bill aims to enhance transparency regarding the availability of these essential educational resources during instructional hours, promoting parental awareness and engagement in the welfare of their children’s schooling environment. By mandating such notifications, the bill seeks to prioritize student support and access to critical services within the school system.

Contention

The provisions of SB78 may lead to discussions regarding the adequacy of support personnel in schools and the significance of their roles in fostering a conducive learning environment. Points of contention may arise around budgetary constraints that schools face which could limit their ability to meet these staffing requirements. Additionally, the requirement for notification could place pressures on schools that struggle with staffing, potentially leading to scrutiny from parents and the community regarding their operational effectiveness.