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88TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE

Conference committee to work out differences in state budget

The Texas Legislature's only "must" bill, the state budget for the upcoming two fiscal years, has passed both the House and the Senate, but reconciling the two versions will take weeks.

Both chambers have now appointed members to the conference committee that will work out the differences. A major point of education-related contention will be Senate Rider 86, which requires passage of a voucher-like program for schools to receive $5 billion in new state dollars. The House specifically voted against such programs in its version of the budget.

As we near the end of April, the work of House and Senate committees is reaching a peak, and more bills are headed to the floor. Click here for a look at bills that were passed this week, including a school safety bill.

In other action this week:

• The House Public Education Committee took up dozens of bills, including UIL scheduling and expanding bilingual education programs.
• The House Select Committee on Youth Health and Safety reviewed a bill that would allow law enforcement agencies to give districts a "handle with care" notice regarding students who have experienced a traumatic event. 
• On Wednesday, the Senate Education Committee discussed several bills, including one that would effectively eliminate 4-day instructional weeks, while the House Pensions, Investments and Financial Services Committee heard a bill that would eliminate the ability of teachers (but not other employees) to retire mid-year. Click here to read more.

OTHER NEWS

TEA encourages districts to focus on teacher retention

The Texas Education Agency is encouraging school districts to focus on teacher retention. In a recent letter to superintendents, TEA says, “The best strategy to reduce teacher vacancies is to retain the great teachers already in your districts.” 

The new resources to help with retention come as TEA releases data showing concerns about teacher attrition and increased reliance on hiring uncertified teachers, who comprise 29% of new hires.

Two Texas districts change backpack policies for safety

Students in Cleveland ISD, near Houston, will be required to carry clear backpacks for the remainder of the school year after a middle school student made a violent threat against the school. The student was expelled, but the district implemented the clear bag policy as a precaution.

Starting Monday, students in grades 6-12 in DeSoto ISD will not be allowed to carry backpacks for the rest of the school year. “The measure is being taken out of an abundance of caution and to reduce safety concerns,” DeSoto ISD said in a written statement.

Early voting starts Monday in May 6 school district elections

More than 100 Texas school districts have put a combined $25 billion in school bond debt on the May 6 ballot. Early voting starts Monday, April 24, and ends Tuesday, May 2. Click here to see if your district has a bond on the ballot.

Many other districts have school board races on the ballot May 6 and several municipalities have council seats up for election as well. Check your local media or county elections office for polling times and locations.

Save sales tax this weekend on many emergency supplies

A variety of supplies, including first-aid kits, flashlights, portable generators and radios, can be purchased tax-free this weekend (April 22-24) across Texas during the state's emergency preparation supplies sales tax holiday. Click here for a list of items eligible for tax-free purchase.

• Earth Day is April 22.
• The TRS Board of Trustees meets April 27-28.
• The State Board for Educator Certification meets April 28.
• The TRS Board election ends May 5.
• The spring STAAR testing window closes May 12.
• Mother's Day is 14.