Bill > HB1257

This bill relates to comprehensive changes in the Texas public education system, focusing on several key areas. Here's a summary: This bill introduces significant reforms to public school educator compensation, school finance, prekindergarten and kindergarten programs, and school health services. It establishes a new minimum salary schedule for classroom teachers, full-time librarians, school counselors, and nurses, with salary levels ranging from $40,000 to $68,000 based on experience and certification. The bill changes how school districts calculate student enrollment, moving from "daily attendance" to "average enrollment" as the primary metric. It also increases funding for small and mid-sized districts, provides additional support for special education programs, and expands mental health services in schools. For prekindergarten programs, the bill lowers the age of eligibility to three years and mandates full-day programs. It modifies transportation funding rates and introduces a new salary transition allotment to help districts adjust to the new compensation structure. The bill also includes provisions for reimbursing local education agencies for Medicaid-enrolled student services and creates new funding mechanisms for school safety, technology initiatives, and career pathway programs. Notably, the bill requires school districts to use a significant portion of increased funding to raise employee compensation, with a focus on classroom teachers and other educational staff. The changes are designed to be implemented gradually, with most provisions taking effect on September 1, 2025, and some funding adjustments phasing out by 2029.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1257