Texas House Bill HB2209

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 2/13/23
• Out of House Committee: 4/13/23
• Voted on by House: 4/28/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/9/23
• Voted on by Senate: 5/11/23
• Governor Action: 6/2/23

Caption

Relating to establishing the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program and creating an allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program to support the program.

Impact

If implemented, HB 2209 will amend the Texas Education Code to create new funding opportunities under the Foundation School Program. It allows eligible rural school districts to access an allotment based on the number of students enrolled in college and career pathways under the R-PEP program. Additionally, the bill includes an outcomes bonus for school districts that successfully help students obtain postsecondary credentials, thus incentivizing performance and accountability in rural education.

Summary

House Bill 2209 aims to establish the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program, which is designed to incentivize and support partnerships among rural school districts to enhance educational opportunities for underserved students. The program focuses on creating collaborative agreements between districts with fewer than 1,600 students and encourages partnerships with local institutions of higher education and businesses. By facilitating these collaborations, the bill aims to expand college and career pathways aligned with regional labor market demands, ultimately promoting economic development in rural areas.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 2209 appears to be largely positive among education advocates, particularly those in rural districts. Proponents argue that the bill provides necessary support for rural schools that often lack resources to offer a diverse range of educational pathways. However, some concerns exist regarding the structuring of performance agreements and whether the funding caps might limit the effectiveness of the program in addressing the unique needs of poorer rural districts.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the bill's focus on districts with fewer than 1,600 students, which some argue could inadvertently create a divide in educational resources and opportunities between larger and smaller districts. Additionally, there are concerns that the funding limitations—capped at $5 million per year—could hinder the program's long-term sustainability and effectiveness in truly transforming rural education and ensuring that all underserved students have access to high-quality career pathways.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 29. Educational Programs
  • Section: 912
  • Section: 912
  • Section: 912
  • Section: 912
  • Section: 912

• Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
  • Section: 118
  • Section: 118
  • Section: 118
  • Section: 118
  • Section: 118