Texas House Bill HB2866

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/14/25

Caption

Relating to public school accountability and actions and other proceedings challenging the operations of the public school system.

Impact

The bill specifies that school districts that initiate actions against the state regarding performance ratings could face immediate consequences, including interventions that might range from additional monitoring to administrative oversight. It aims to create a deterrent against legal battles, effectively placing accountability at the forefront of the educational framework, ensuring that schools maintain a consistent standard of performance, unimpeded by back-and-forth legal disputes that undermine the accountability system.

Summary

House Bill 2866 aims to fortify the public school accountability system in Texas by revamping the procedures governing how academic performance is assessed and sanctioned. The primary focus is on enabling the commissioner of education to impose interventions or sanctions on school districts that engage in legal actions to challenge the implementation of the public school accountability system. This stipulation underscores an intent to deter districts from seeking legal recourse that may delay or impede accountability measures designed to enhance educational standards.

Contention

Notably, there could be significant opposition to this measure from various school districts and educational advocacy groups. Critics may argue that the ability to challenge state decisions is vital for maintaining local control and ensuring that specific contexts and needs of individual districts are factored into performance evaluations. They may also raise concerns about the fairness and transparency of the accountability measures, fearing that rushed or punitive sanctions could negatively affect educational quality and resources.

Further_points

Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision regarding the assignment of performance ratings, stating that districts under sanction may retain a 'Not Rated' designation amidst ongoing litigation. This could potentially complicate the narrative around school performance and fiscal viability as it affects funding and resource distribution, placing stress on districts who may already be dealing with performance challenges or financial constraints.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 39. Public School System Accountability
  • Section: 023
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 45. School District Funds
  • Section: New Section

Labor Code

• Chapter 312. Industry-based Certification Advisory Council
  • Section: New Section