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88TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE

Retiree benefits survive tough session; teacher pay, school funding, vouchers likely on agenda for special sessions

While the House and Senate are feuding over property tax legislation this week, education remains on the back burner. The special session that Gov. Greg Abbott called only hours after the regular session ended Monday is limited to the topics of property tax reduction and border security measures.

The House passed its versions of the necessary bills Tuesday and adjourned “sine die” — final adjournment — leaving it up to the Senate to either accept the House proposals or also adjourn and presumably force another special session. The Senate next meets Friday, June 2.

When calling the special session, Abbott noted it was the “first” special session, surprising no one with the implication that there will be multiple special sessions. Of most interest to educators are future sessions that may address vouchers, school funding, pay raises, and more. We do not yet know when a special session addressing education issues would be held or what specific topics will be on the agenda.

While many big education issues were unresolved during the regular session, lawmakers did approve a cost-of-living increase for TRS retirees and one-time supplemental checks for older retirees. Click here for details.

TCTA is working on analyzing and summarizing the education bills that passed during the regular session. We plan to include those summaries in next week’s eUpdate. Until then, check our Capital updates page for the latest news.

OTHER NEWS

2023-24 Executive Board and Directors' Council term begins

Nydia Alvarez-Alonzo of Mission (pictured at right) begins her term as 2023-24 state president today. We welcome her and thank Eleanore Malone of Chapel Hill (pictured at left) for her leadership during the 2022-23 school year. Malone becomes immediate past president. The 2023-24 Executive Board also includes Melody Young of Sherman, president-elect; Vivian Burleson of Northside, Budget chair; Jennifer Hutchinson of Hays, Governance chair; Brec Espinoza of Brownwood, Legislation chair; Debra Helbert of Lamar, Membership chair; Sharron Wood of Deweyville, Professional Rights & Responsibilities chair; and Melanie Love of Pottsboro, Teacher Personal Services chair.

The 2023-24 Directors' Council members are:

• District 1: Erick Hurtado of Edcouch Elsa
• District 3: James Garcia of Victoria
• District 4: Dawn Hopkins of Lamar
• District 5: Keri Hilton of Nederland
• District 6: Tonia Walker of Crockett
• District 7: Helen Christine Stephens of Diboll
• District 9: Holly Lucas of Wichita Falls
• District 10: Mocha Wohlgemuth of Whitesboro
• District 12: Omar Esson of Killeen
• District 13: Natalie Tatsch of Gonzales
• District 14: Thomas Evans of Abilene
• District 15: Kyra Mills of Brownwood
• District 16: Christina Johnson of Amarillo
• District 17: Angela Reyes of Muleshoe
• District 18: Susan Vermillion of Midland
• District 19: Scott Berkenpas of Socorro
• District 20: Kimberly Villarreal of North East
• Director-at-large: Victor Alonzo of Mission

TRS Board approves ActiveCare premiums and benefit changes

The TRS Board of Trustees met Tuesday to approve rates for ActiveCare health insurance. Rate changes range from reductions to increases, depending on region, plan, and level of coverage (e.g., individual vs. family coverage). There are both positive and negative benefit changes to be aware of in the coming year.

The legislature approved almost $600 million in funding for ActiveCare to help bring down rates that were expected to soar after a year of keeping rates stable in 2022-23. There is no additional funding for districts that are not participating in ActiveCare. Click here to read more on benefit changes and click here to find premium rates in your region.

TRS also approved new premium rates and plan changes for the TRS-administered HMO plans. Click here to read more.

USDE denies state's waiver request for STAAR Alternate 2

The U.S. Department of Education denied the state's 2022-23 waiver request for the 1% state cap on students participating in the alternate assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.

In response, the Texas Education Agency's Student Assessment Division is working with the Special Education Division to update the STAAR Alternate 2 materials, including participation requirements, for the 2023-24 school year to further assist ARD committees in making assessment decisions. More information will be posted to the TEA website as it becomes available.

TEA appoints superintendent, board of managers in Houston

Former Dallas schools superintendent Mike Miles was named superintendent of Houston ISD as the Texas Education Agency takes over the state's largest school district. TEA also appointed a nine-member board of managers to oversee the district. To regain local control, schools must meet state standards, the board has to implement procedures and conduct that focus on student outcomes, and the district has to comply with state and federal laws protecting students with disabilities. 

Click here to read more from Houston Public Media on the takeover.

Take free TIER online courses through TEA this summer

The TEALearn platform offers free, self-paced Tiered Interventions Using Evidence-Based Research, or TIER, courses for continuing professional education credit. TIER is a project funded by TEA to provide educators, caregivers and other educational stakeholders with the knowledge and materials to ensure appropriate implementation of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). Click here to explore the TIER courses and enroll.

• Online enrollment for the 2023-24 school year is open. Renew your membership and invite your colleagues to join TCTA today!
• June 14 is Flag Day.
• June 18 is Father's Day.
• June 19 is Juneteenth.