BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3767
85R13270 MM-D	By: Allen (Uresti)
	Education
	5/22/2017
	Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Texas student success depends on the active involvement of parents, teachers and community members in the local school districts. They are the boots on the ground, who really understand local needs and know the best approaches and resources to meet them.

 

In 1995, the legislature passed S.B. 1, directing school boards to create district-level and campus-level planning and decision-making committees in order to improve the performance of all students.

 

Committee members work on local educational goals, performance objectives, and classroom instructional programs, among many important duties. The campus-level committees also serve as a voice for all student populations, including those with special needs.

 

Provisions in state law specify that business representatives, parents, and other community members must be included in the committees, in order to represent an authentic and comprehensive set of perspectives. However, there is no regular check to ensure that school boards follow those statutes and appoint the committees.

 

H.B. 3767 requires each school district to certify, annually, to the Texas Education Agency that the board of trustees has created district-level and campus-level committees in accordance with the requirements of the Education Code.

 

H.B. 3767 amends current law relating to annual reporting regarding the establishment of certain school district planning and decision-making committees.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

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

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Section 11.251, Education Code, by adding Subsection (h), to require the board of trustees of each independent school district (board) to annually certify to the Texas Education Agency in accordance with commissioner of education rule that the board has established the district- and campus-level committees as required by this section.

 

SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.