And taxpayers are demanding greater accountability and performance than ever.

This week, the House Public Education Committee released their Interim Report to the 79th Texas Legislature. School Board ElectionsThe House version requires elections for all trustees to be held on the uniform election date in November in even-numbered years. No amendments will be allowed that propose to dedicate revenue for any other purpose other than the reduction of property taxes. To view the language included in the Commissioner's December letter, click Language. The Senate Finance Committee did not consider House Bill 5, which increases taxes on tobacco products. The Legislative Council of the University Interscholastic League voted today to require each member high school to have at least one Automated External Defibrillator AED on campus by August 1, 2007. David Dewhurst announced a major initiative to put life-saving Automated External Defibrillators AEDs in all Texas public schools.

Supreme Court has remanded the congressional redistricting case back to a three-judge panel in Texas to view the case in light of a recent Supreme Court case that involved partisan gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. Representative Dawson was running for reelection against Dr. Prohibit future tax increases without a vote of the people. Chapter 41 districts receive the midsize adjustment. The Senate Education Committee released its recommendations to the 80th Texas Legislature.

And taxpayers are demanding greater accountability and performance than ever. School CalendarBoth the House and Senate version would require school districts to begin instruction on the first Tuesday after Labor Day and end the school year no later than June 7th. For Chapter 41 and Chapter 42 districts not currently at the cap, access to the four pennies in the enrichment tier would not be possible until they raised their local taxes to reach the cap. View the posted rules on the High School Allotment. It now goes to Governor Rick Perry for his signature. That dollar amount is then multiplied by the CEI, and the small and mid-sized adjustment. The Texas Senate and Texas House are expected to consider the bills next Tuesday. Senate Bill 2, the Texas Senate’s school finance proposal, has not been filed. Examine the impact on students, schools and local economies from changes to the school start date.

The committee also spent time discussing possible restrictions on school facility plans and placing additional restrictions on how districts can use state funding for instructional facilities in the future. May have a negative affect on at-risk students particularly those in schools on a traditional schedule. More than 6,100 students affected by Hurricane Katrina have already enrolled in Texas public schools. The Senate is scheduled to take up resolutions when they convene at 11 a. Today is the first day members can pre-file legislation for the 80th Texas legislature. Amendment 23 Dutton – Requires the commissioner to develop a diagnostic test for students entering charter schools. The Texas House has not appointed its five conferees.

Authorize the Texas Education Agency to collect Best Practices for Facilities Construction as a guide to all school districts. Once they become available, they will be posted online. The following Texas schools will be recognized by the U.