Texas House Bill HB4104

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/7/25

Caption

Relating to the adoption of a list of performance standards for the removal of a conservator, management team, or board of managers appointed to a school district.

Impact

The implementation of HB4104 is expected to impact state laws concerning educational governance and oversight. By laying out specific, data-driven performance standards that educational agencies must adhere to before a conservator or management team can be removed, the bill aims to promote accountability among appointed school authorities. This could result in improved educational outcomes for students by encouraging a shift toward effective management practices. Additionally, it might streamline a clear framework for assessing the performance of school governing bodies, ultimately aiming to enhance the local school management processes across Texas.

Summary

House Bill 4104 seeks to establish a set of performance standards governing the removal of a conservator, management team, or board of managers appointed to a school district. This new legislation mandates that the commissioner of education adopt clear standards that are grounded in current law and nationwide best practices. The intention is to ensure that there are measurable and achievable benchmarks for school districts under the management of appointed entities, with a defined pathway to restoration of regular governance once these standards are met. The proposed standards are designed to create a transparent process regarding the performance and efficacy of the appointed management structures in schools.

Contention

While the bill aims to standardize the criteria for evaluating conservators and management teams within school districts, it may stir debate concerning local control versus state oversight. Proponents might argue that such standardized measures provide a necessary level of accountability and clarity, while opponents could express concerns that this could lead to increased state intervention in local school decisions. The effectiveness of performance standards would likely be scrutinized, as stakeholders evaluate whether the defined goals lead to genuine improvements in school governance or whether they simply serve as procedural checkboxes.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

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