MINUTES
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
9:00 AM
Capitol Extension, Room E1.012
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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 Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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Senator Brandon Creighton, Chair |
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Senator Paul Bettencourt |
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Senator Angela Paxton, Vice Chair |
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Senator Charles Perry |
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Senator Brian Birdwell |
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Senator Bob Hall |
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Senator Bryan Hughes |
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Senator José Menéndez |
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Senator Beverly Powell |
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Senator Charles Schwertner |
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Senator Royce West |
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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:03 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:
The chair laid out the following interim charge on the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the educator talent pipeline: examine the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the public school educator talent pipeline, staffing patterns and practices, and declining student enrollment and attendance. Review any policies and regulatory actions that prevent students from receiving instruction from a highly effective teacher. Monitor the impact of both the Teacher Incentive Allotment and non-administrator compensation increases directed under House Bill 3 (86th Legislature), as well as the teacher pay raises implemented in 2019. Explore innovative models to improve recruitment and make recommendations to maintain a strong educator workforce pipeline, while adapting resilient school strategies to meet emergent demands in public education.
Witnesses providing invited testimony are shown on the attached list.
The chair laid out the following interim charge on monitoring: monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education passed by the 87th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:
House Bill 1525 (87th Legislature), Relating to the public school finance system and public education;
House Bill 4545 (87th Legislature), Relating to the assessment of public school students, the establishment of a strong foundations grant program, and providing accelerated instruction for students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments; and
House Bill 3 (86th Legislature), relating to public school finance and public education.
Senator Paxton assumed the chair.
Senator Creighton resumed the chair.
Witnesses providing invited testimony are shown on the attached list.
The chair laid out the following interim charge on bond efficiency: conduct a comprehensive review of the school district bond issuance process. Specifically, review public notice and disclosure requirements, the bond election process, procurement requirements, and how unused bond proceeds may be utilized. Study the best practices implemented by school boards and make recommendations to improve bond issuance efficiencies.
Witnesses providing invited testimony are shown on the attached list.
The chair laid out the following interim charge on homestead exemption: study the use and effect of the optional homestead exemption available to independent school districts. Examine and report on costs to the state if school districts receive incentives to increase the optional percentage exemption.
Witnesses providing invited testimony are shown on the attached list.
Senator Paxton assumed the chair.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
There being no further business, at 4:48 PM Senator Paxton moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.
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Senator Brandon Creighton, Chair
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Abby Johnson, Clerk