SRC-JJJ, JJJ S.B. 238 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 238
76R3469 CAS-DBy: Ellis
Education
4/13/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law requires school districts to pay teachers salaries
based on years of experience as set forth in the minimum schedule in state
law.  Many districts pay amounts above the minimum schedule, but these
supplemental amounts are based on experience rather than merit.  S.B. 238
would establish performance bonuses for certain public school teachers. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 238 establishes performance bonuses for certain public
school teachers. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 21I, Education Code, by adding Section 21.4031,
as follows: 

Sec. 21.4031.  PERFORMANCE BONUS. Requires a school district to pay each
classroom teacher a performance bonus for a school year in which the
performance rating of a school campus under Chapter 39 improves from a
low-performing rating.  Sets forth amounts and conditions for the
performance bonus.  Provides that the bonus is in addition to any other
compensation the district would otherwise pay the teacher.  Provides that a
school district is required to pay the bonuses only if state appropriations
are provided for that purpose. Establishes that if the amount appropriated
is not sufficient to pay a performance bonus,  the district may reduce the
amount of the bonus in proportion to the amount by which the amount
appropriated is insufficient.  

SECTION 2.  Provides that this Act applies to performance bonuses for
public school teachers beginning with performance ratings for the 1999-2000
school year. 

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.
            Effective date: upon passage.