MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Monday, October 8, 2012

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Education was held on Monday, October 8, 2012, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Dan Patrick, Chair	Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr.
Senator John Carona	Senator Steve Ogden
Senator Wendy Davis
Senator Kel Seliger
Senator Florence Shapiro
Senator Leticia Van de Putte
Senator Royce West

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Senator Dan Patrick called the meeting to order at 9:03 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

Senator Leticia Van de Putte moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearing held on September 13, 2012; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 9:14 AM Senator Leticia Van de Putte assumed the chair.

Senator Leticia Van de Putte chaired this hearing on Senate Interim Charge #3.

Senator Leticia Van de Putte recognized committee members to make opening remarks.

The chair called the following invited witnesses to provide testimony on Senate Interim Charge #3:  Study the growing demand for virtual schools in Texas. Review the benefits of virtual schools, related successes in other states, and needed changes to remove barriers to virtual schools.  See attached list.

Senator Leticia Van de Putte recognized Commissioner of Education, Michael L. Williams, as being present and welcomed him.

At 10:36 AM Senator Dan Patrick assumed the chair.

At 10:39 AM Senator Leticia Van de Putte resumed the chair.

The chair called persons who registered as public witnesses to provide testimony on the interim committee charge. See attached list.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 3:13 PM Senator Leticia Van de Putte moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Dan Patrick, Chair

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Holly Mabry McCoy, Clerk